10 Powerful Foods That Help Your Brain Functions

The brain needs nourishment just like muscles, lungs and heart. Eating foods that makes brain sharper enhances the cognitive skills and prevents the risks of diseases such as Dementia, Alzheimer, Parkinson's and other cognitive illnesses.

According to Women's Health, foods that are rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids can shield the brain cells and improve mental skills. Foods with carotenoids can also decrease the cognitive decline over 13 years.

It is vital that you eat foods that can make your brain healthy. Yahoo listed the following brain foods that can make your cognitive functions at its optimum level:

1.       Blueberries

A binge of blueberries can reduce oxidative stress in the brain. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and can improve or delay short-term memory loss.

"Foods high in these chemicals have the most effective means of improving your health and blueberries have one of the strongest concentrations available," Kristin Kirkpatrick, the manager of wellness nutrition services at Cleveland Clinic's Wellness Institute said.

2.       Nuts

According to a study that was published in The Journal of Nutrition, nuts such as walnuts and almond are powerful brain foods -- preventing cognitive decline.

3.       Fish

A good source of Omega-3 fatty acids which can make the brain function is fish. This includes salmon, tuna, herrings and sardines. "They are good for cardiovascular health and have been shown to preserve brain function," Marilyn Gordon, a registered dietician in Nova Southeastern University in Florida said.

4.       Broccoli

A vegetable with a great source of vitamin K is broccoli as it enhances cognitive function and improves brainpower.

5.       Avocados

Avocados are rich in fats that inhibit high blood pressure. A study shows in 2015, that eating one avocado a day for six months can improve the cognitive functions. However, it is also recommended that people limit its intake because it is also high in calories.

6.       Coffee

A study reveals that coffee is high in antioxidants and can prevent the risk of dementia.

7.       Eggs

"When you eat eggs, your brain uses these vitamins to support memory loss and increase communication among brain cells," a researcher said.

8.       Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt can get rid of stress and gives the brain and the body such energy they both need.

9.       Whole Grains

Whole grains such as quinoa, barley and oatmeal fuel the brain and improve cognitive skills. "Oat contains soluble fiber, which removes cholesterol from the body and prevents a plague from forming in the arteries. Clean arteries help ensure the blood flows well and may help reduce the risk of developing stroke and dementia," an expert said.

10.   Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like grapefruits, oranges, lemon and limes can help your brain healthy. "Studies show that people who have citrus fruits every day are able to prevent cognitive decline by more than two years," Kirkpatrick said.

Stay healthy as you make the most out of your cognitive skills!