Take a look at these 8 brain-boosting foods

Everything you eat and drink affects your brain function and how you think. Your ability to learn new skills, focus on a task and recall memories are all affected by the type and quality of foods you eat. Eating a well-balanced diet abundant in brain-boosting nutrients will not only help improve your memory and brain power but can also help reduce the risk of ageing-related diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Brain nutrition Here are some of the key nutrients to include in your diet to keep your brain healthy. Iodine The trace mineral iodine plays an important role in healthy brain function and cognitive ability as well as brain development in children. In Australia and other Western developed countries we’re seeing widespread iodine deficiencies as a result of poor soil quality and reliance on processed foods. Common signs and symptoms of iodine deficiency include poor concentration and difficulty retaining information. Deficiencies are also associated with lower IQ and decreased cognitive function in children. A recent study has found that curcumin, the active compound found in turmeric, can help protect the brain. The best natural sources of iodine include sea vegetables (kelp, nori, kombu, wakame), wild-caught fish, eggs and green vegetables. Try adding wakame flakes to meals for extra goodness. Spirulina is another excellent source of iodine that can be added to green smoothies and vegetable juices. B vitamins B 6 , B 9 and B 12 are required to make neurotransmitters that are involved with mood and brain function. Vitamin B 12 has been found to help prevent brain atrophy (loss of neurons in the brain), which is associated with memory loss and dementia. If your diet is lacking in B vitamins you will be at risk of cognitive decline and memory loss and run the risk of […]

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