Nuts. Nuts like almonds, pistachios and macadamias each bring something special to the table. Almonds help improve memory, pistachio nut oils help preserve fatty acids and prevent inflammation, and macadamias contribute to normal brain function. Yet, the top nut award certainly goes to the walnut.
Walnuts contain several components that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Animal and human studies from our and other groups suggest that supplementation with walnuts in the diet may improve cognition and reduce the risk and/or progression of MCI and AD.
Eating nuts regularly is good for your brain. Nut consumption is linked to better cognitive function, reduced risk of depression, better mood, and enhanced memory, learning and attention capacity. Nuts contain fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which have essential roles in many aspects of brain health.
Add these to your diet to fight brain fog
Though all nuts are good sources of antioxidants, walnuts rank higher in potency when compared to superfoods such as almonds, pistachios and peanuts. They also protect the brain tissue from inflammation, which helps to support it as you age.
Walnuts, almonds, and pistachios are perfect for reducing stress and anxiety. Walnuts contain high omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy nervous system and can help reduce stress and anxiety. Almonds are rich in magnesium, which helps to relax muscles and reduce stress.
Nuts, Seeds and Legumes
All of these are shown to promote brain health and reduce age-related cognitive decline. Foods such as walnuts, almonds, peanuts, soybeans, lentils, flax seeds and pumpkin seeds are all good choices to add to your diet if you're looking to score these benefits.
Cashews.
Cashews are rich in tryptophan, a neurochemical that our bodies turn into serotonin. They are also rich in magnesium and vitamin B6, both essential for the overall health and for controlling mood swings. Stick with unsalted nuts and avoid large packages. Remember that just a handful per day should be enough.
Whether you eat Brazil nuts, cashews, chestnuts, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, or walnuts, you will reap the benefits of a wide range of nutrients important for brain health and cognitive function. So the next time you find yourself in need of a brain boost, try reaching for a handful of nuts!
Brazil nuts, cashews and macadamia nuts are higher in saturated fat. Too much of this can contribute to raised cholesterol levels, so only eat them occasionally. Chestnuts are an exception – they're lower in all types of fats and higher in starchy carbohydrate than other nuts.
Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and pecans also appear to be quite heart healthy. So are peanuts — though they are technically not a nut, but a legume, like beans. It's best to choose unsalted or unsweetened nuts. Adding salt or sugar to nuts may cancel out their heart-healthy benefits.
Fruits. Certain fruits such as oranges, bell peppers, guava, kiwi, tomatoes, and strawberries, contain high amounts of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps prevent brain cells from becoming damaged and supports overall brain health. In fact, a study found that vitamin C can potentially prevent Alzheimer's.
When it comes to dry fruits for brain, walnuts bag the first position. Why? Because walnuts are rich in DHA, polyunsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, protein, minerals, antioxidants, and polyphenols. Studies revealed that eating walnuts notably improves learning skills and memory, thereby lowering anxiety.
Almonds. Researchers³ have shown that magnesium may be an effective treatment for anxiety-related symptoms, as inadequate magnesium reduces the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Just 1 ounce of almonds (that's about 12 nuts) contains 75mg of magnesium, which is 19% of your daily recommended value.
Walnuts. Walnuts contain essential omega-3 fatty acids, and other polyphenols that have been shown to help prevent memory loss. Walnuts are also one of the richest dietary sources of serotonin, a chemical in your brain that helps create calm and happiness, as well as improve your mood.
Berries, fish, and leafy green vegetables are 3 of the best foods that fight memory loss. There's a mountain of evidence showing they support and protect brain health.
Other foods that may reduce dementia risk
The MIND diet encourages people to eat green leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, unsaturated fats like olive oil, eggs, and low amounts of red meat.
Of these, 69% drank tea on a frequent basis. After a five-year period, the researchers found that the tea drinkers had a 50% lower risk of dementia.
In order to produce dopamine, your body needs to break down an amino acid known as tyrosine, which is present in abundance in nuts such as almonds and walnuts, and seeds such as flax seeds. Snacking on a handful of them during the day can up your dopamine levels and help you a great deal.
Eat B vitamin rich whole foods: whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. Folic acid is particularly rich in green vegetables, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds, while B12 is only found in animal foods – meat, fish, eggs and dairy produce.