What’s more important than our brain?  Well our heart, kidneys and liver are just as important as our skin. Every organ plays a significant role when it comes to our health, but the brain is the command center where all information is received. 

You see the brain uses our body’s chemicals to send and receive information through our nervous system via neurons. There are over 80 billions cells in the brain alone. Some researchers actually say there are 100 billion cells. In any case, that is an abundance of cells going to work every day for us, always working, transmitting information and surprisingly, the brain only requires 10 watts of power. We are truly electric!! 

So what is needed for our brains to function efficiently? There are a number of things that are necessary for proper brain function such as sufficient rest, physical movement (exercise),  and mental fitness habits which I will explain. Mental fitness habits are refraining from the things that cause too much distraction impacting  your cognition and attention span. Spend less time on social media or electronic devices in general.But one of the most important of all is diet! 

Having  a healthy diet starts by having healthy habits and making lifestyle changes. Yes, you have heard the saying before, over and over again; fresh leafy greens, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, nuts and seeds.  It’s just that simple!  It’s the follow through by taking action which some individuals have a difficult time with. 

Don’t judge yourself too harshly. It’s about making small changes that will lead to long term lasting habits. So here are some foods you can add to your diet for better brain health if you haven't done so already.

Berries- Are loaded with antioxidants which get rid of free radicals, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, goji berries along with others are great brain boosters and cancer fighting foods. 

Turmeric- This spice has been used in india for ages and has been used in the caribbean for decades. Turmeric contains curcuminoids which are known for fighting inflammation, improving memory functions, fights against cancer and reducing risk of heart disease. Although it is poorly absorbed in the body, adding black pepper with this spice will increase its absorption.

Omega 3- Can be obtained from eating fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, but can be found in plants such algae, walnuts, chia, hemp and flax seeds. Omega 3 not only reduces inflammation, but can help with heart and eye health, fight against aging, and metabolic syndrome as well as mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and help children with autism and ADHD related symptoms. It is essential for brain health!

Greens- Arugula, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, spinach, broccoli or kale contain nutrients such as Vitamin A, C, E and K as well as other needed nutrients. A study at Tufts Humsn Nutrition Research Center on aging found that eating leafy greens may help with slower brain decline. 

Moringa Powder- Is considered a superfood and is loaded with nutrients offering high amounts of protein that aids in the healthy production of neurotransmitters in the brain. Moringa improves memory and cognitive function. You can add the moringa powder to your soup, salad or smoothies. 

Ginkgo Biloba- is actually a supplement known for improving memory. It is loaded with antioxidants and flavonoids. Be sure to buy pre organic non gmo brands only. 

Probiotics- Is what everyone should be consuming for good gut health. These live organisms help balance the good bacteria in the gut. Studies on  probiotics containing Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus have shown improvement in those dealing with depression, anxiety, autism, obsessive compulsive disorder as well as memory when taken fo up to 2 months. Probiotics can be found in foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh, kombucha and pickles.

If you have not yet included any of these foods or supplements into your diet then it is not too late to start. A heathy gut leads to a healthy brain and overall wellness.