Foods That Strengthen The Brain

Researchers have only recently discovered the link between food and brain function, according to Fernando Gomez-Pinilla in his 2008 article in "Nature Reviews Neuroscience." While foods that contain trans fat and saturated fat may cause brain function to deteriorate, healthy foods assist the brain with its daily functions.

Foods with Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Brain health has been added to the long list of benefits from consuming omega-3 fatty acids. Most health experts agree that omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for your brain to function properly. Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA -- a type of omega-3 fatty acid found only in fish -- is especially important for your brain. A lack of this substance may lead to psychological problems such as depression, dementia, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Consuming enough of this nutrient has been linked to improved memory and learning ability. Another type of omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid, turns into DHA in your body. You may obtain this type of fatty acid through walnuts and the following oils: flaxseed, olive, canola and soybean.

Foods with B Vitamins

Foods high in B vitamins, notably folate and vitamin B-12, promote brain health. A deficiency in folate may lead to psychological problems such as depression, dementia and a decline in cognitive ability associated with the aging process, according to Gomez-Pinilla. Leafy green vegetables like spinach, dried beans, peas, yeast and citrus fruit such as oranges and grapefruit all contain folate. Vitamin B-12 is another important player, as a lack of this important vitamin leads to cognitive deterioration. Vitamin B-12 is found naturally in all meat and dairy products, and it is often added to cereal.

Foods Rich in Antioxidants

Oxidants may easily damage the brain, which makes antioxidants beneficial to the brain. Find antioxidants that improve brain function in fruits and vegetables such as berries, broccoli, spinach, vegetable oils and potatoes. Organ meats such as liver are high in the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid. Nuts, cereals and the spice curcumin also contain brain-friendly antioxidants. An August 2007 article by Rosalie Marion Bliss in "Agricultural Research" explains that antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables might actually undo the loss of cognitive function. This result occurred in rats, so it is unclear if this would also happen in people.