Obtaining adequate amounts of essential nutrients is just as crucial for brain function as it is for the rest of your body's functions, according to the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service website. For example, nutrients such as iron and B12 are essential for normal cognitive and neurological function. Other brain functions are also impacted by nutrition.
Nutrients
According to the Diet Channel website, the brain utilizes carbohydrates for energy. Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in forming brain cell structure. Vitamins B6 and B12 manufacture and release neurotransmitters that regulate hunger, mood and sleep. The antioxidant vitamins C and E and beta-carotene protect brain cells from damage by free radicals.
Foods for Brain Function
Egg yolks, wheat germ and peanuts are good sources of choline, a component of two fat-like molecules that regulate brain function. Cranberries protect your brain cells from free radical damage and improve memory, coordination and balance. Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, vitamins C and B6, and carbohydrates, all of which provide energy and antioxidant benefits, and enhance neurotransmitter function. Wheat germ provides additional antioxidants selenium and vitamin E. Kidney beans are rich in inositol, which can improve mood disorder and depression symptoms.
Brain Anti-Aging Foods
Spinach shields the brain from oxidative stress and reduces the risk of age-related brain function decline. It may also lessen brain damage due to neurological disorders and strokes. Strawberries are a good source of the antioxidant vitamin C and may improve motor skills and learning capacity. Yellowfin tuna is a source of niacin and omega-3 fatty acids, which, along with choline, protect the brain against Alzheimer's disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially beneficial to the brain because the brain is 60 percent fat; omega-3 fatty acids keep brain cell membranes flexible and improves their abilities to absorb nutrients.
Headaches
Raisin bran is a good source of iron, folic acid, carbohydrates, magnesium and calcium. Iron, folic acid and calcium help maintain neurological and cognitive function, while carbohydrates provide energy for the brain. Magnesium relaxes blood vessels, which prevents dilation and constriction associated with migraine and tension headaches.
Conclusion
Eating a healthy diet that is rich in "brain foods" is no guarantee you will never develop Alzheimer's, dementia or other debilitating brain disorder. However, according to the Diet Channel website, your brain benefits from many of the same healthy benefits of good nutrition as the rest of your body.
