The Best Foods For A Healthy Brain As You Age

Your brain is the control centre of your body, and it’s in charge of the some of the most important bodily functions such as breathing, the way we feel, and our ability to move. So, it’s important you’re incorporating foods into your diet that support a healthy brain as you age. 

Adding the following foods will lend your brain a helping hand!

Fatty fish specifically is one of the best foods to support brain health as you age due to the high content of omega-3 fatty acids. About 60% of the brain is made of fat! And half of that fat is made up of omega-3 fatty acids. These kinds of fats are crucial for learning and memory.

Add these fatty fish to your diet to support brain health:

• Salmon

• Herring

• Mackerel 

• Trout

• Sardines

Vegan options:

• Brussel sprouts

• Walnuts

• Flaxseeds

• Chia seeds

• Hemp seeds

Many berries are rich in antioxidants, which make them perfect to support a healthy brain in older age. Antioxidants help to reduce inflammation and the compounds found in berries can improve communication between brain cells. 

Add these berries to your diet to promote brain health:

• Blueberries

• Strawberries

• Blackberries

• Mulberries

Like berries, dark chocolate contains brain-boosting properties like flavonoids and antioxidants — it also contains caffeine which has also been linked to support brain health. 

Studies show that the compounds found in dark chocolate can boost mood, and enhance memory retention. These benefits don’t apply to milk or white chocolate, so look out for dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70%.

Dark chocolate supports more than just brain health too! Check out our blog on the many health benefits of chocolate to learn more. 

Leafy green vegetables are rich in nutrients like vitamin K, folate and beta carotene which can boost brain power and prevent cognitive decline. 

Try incorporating these leafy greens into meals for a healthy brain:

• Kale

• Spinach

• Broccoli

• Brussel sprouts

Foods rich in omega-3s fatty acids, antioxidants and brain-friendly nutrients all contribute to a healthy brain in older age. Incorporating these foods into your diet can boost brain power by enhancing focus and supporting memory retention. They’ll help you out now and support you in your older years too!