Nutrition for the Brain

Most people know that brain function is necessary for life, but what people might not know is what foods to eat to increase brain functionality.

Significance

• Your brain uses approximately 20 percent of your body's total energy supply. So providing the brain with enough energy throughout the day is essential for your brain to work efficiently.

Food for Thought

• A simple way to eat "brain foods" is to look for foods that contain glucose, which is found in carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Carbohydrates are what fuel the body, including your brain. Also, since the brain is composed of around 60 percent fat, aim for foods high in B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E.

Top 5 Brain Foods

• According to BrainReady.com, the top five brain foods are wild salmon, cacao beans, matcha (or green tea powder), acai berries and blueberries tied for fourth place, and coffee beans.

Benefits

• There are many reasons why brain function is beneficial. The brain regulates vital processes of the body and when the brain has readily available fuel, it performs best.

Warning

• Mental alertness and brain function are two different things. Caffeine may produce mental alertness, but this effect is only short term. Taking caffeine for too long will lessen its effects on the body and can cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.