These 6 fall superfoods will benefit your brain

Shutterstock For those who are the Autumn’s biggest fans, it’s never too early to start dipping into the flavors, scents, and spices of the season. Even if sweater-weather, pumpkin picking, flannel shirts, apple ciders, and leaf-peeping isn’t your thing, you can tap into the resources of fall by implementing seasonally-fresh superfoods into your diet. By definition, this category is only given to those goodies from Mother Nature that overflow with nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. By stopping by your local farmer’s market, you can source everything from walnuts and beets to broccoli and more during this special time of the year. No matter if you incorporate them into a breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack, these bad boys will work overtime for your brain, increasing cognition and helping you to focus. Time to nibble. Pumpkin seeds Sure, you may need to Instagram the infamous Pumpkin Spice Latter (or the new guy in town this year, the Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew) — but the beverage won’t do much for your health. Instead, keep those seeds to the side when you carve a pumpkin with friends or family. Dr. Judy Ho, Ph.D. , a triple board-certified clinical and forensic neuropsychologist and author says these little guys contain powerful antioxidants that protect our body (and mind!) from free-radical damage. They are also considered a reliable source of zinc, which help to signal our nerves, as well as magnesium, which is essential for learning and memory. You’ll also get a dose of iron, which Dr. Ho says is essential to brain function since a deficiency in this nutrient will have you dragging. Broccoli It may have been your arch-nemesis as a child, but these days, it can be served in countless delicious ways. And it turns out your mom was right: it’s green and […]

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