7 Favorite Foods That Feed Your Brain

Okay, maybe that’s not likely. But Canyon Ranch nutritionist Jenny Flora, MA, offers advice on eating strategically to keep your mind operating in top form for as long as possible.

It is always helpful, of course, to maintain a healthy weight, eat your veggies and fruits, exercise regularly and get a handle on stress. Then, too, there’s a wealth of spices and herbs filled with anti-inflammatory properties. Can you even imagine life without oregano, paprika, cinnamon or pepper? And let’s not forget about good-for-you fatty fishes like mackerel, sardines and herring, which are all rich in omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which Jenny says you’re wise to eat two or three times a week.

With all these options out there, Jenny recommends these top healthy foods for nourishing your brain and staying sharp:

Turmeric. One of the more powerful anti-inflammatory spices with phytochemicals specific to promote brain cell regeneration. Try buying fresh turmeric root in your grocer’s produce section. Simply clean the turmeric root, grate and use with salads and all your savory dishes.

Wild Salmon. Rich in Omega 3 and satiating. Fatty fish not only soothe and nourish the brain – they also soothe and tame the appetite.

Fruits and Vegetables. Blueberries, beets, and other fruits and vegetables with dark blue/red color – This is a sign they’re high in polyphenols. Polyphenols are plant-based chemicals high in antioxidants.

Olive oil. A nutritious fat, high in polyphenols.

Eggs. Egg yolks, eaten in moderation, provide choline and cholesterol essential to brain health.

Dark Chocolate. Dark Chocolate is high in polyphenols and antioxidants and truly make the brain feel good. This is because certain properties in dark chocolate cause the brain to release feel good chemicals – a love affair to remember!

Coffee. Three cups of coffee per day – The ideal amount of caffeine to stimulate healthy activity within the brain without getting the jitters.