Your brain is a pretty big deal. It’s the body’s most complex organ and requires brain food to function.

Why should I care about brain food?

Most of us don’t spend huge amounts of time thinking about brain health, but we’re all at risk of brain degeneration.  

The food you eat can have a large impact on your brain function. If you’re studying for an exam or have a busy work schedule, optimising your nutrition through food can improve your brainpower.

Food to humans is like fuel for a car. It gives us energy and keeps us going, but when it runs out, we go flat and can’t function. When the brain isn’t fuelled properly, you feel tired, sluggish and can find it hard to concentrate.

There are many factors that can lead to brain function decline. Evidence suggests specific nutrients may help to normalise or reduce some of the changes that occur in the brain as we age, so let’s do everything we can to nurture our brain health.

Types of brain food

There is no single food that can protect against all medical illnesses, However, here are our top 10 brain foods that provide therapeutic benefits to help improve the brain’s function and performance.

Glucose

The brain requires large amounts of energy, also known as glucose, to function. It requires a huge 20% of the body’s daily energy intake, every day.

So where does glucose come from? The majority of glucose is found in foods that contain carbohydrates (aka carbs). They can be found in fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and grains. Carbs are one of the main sources of energy for the body.

When carbs are eaten, they break down into glucose in the bloodstream. This glucose is used for energy as well as stored in muscle tissue. However, the brain is unable to store glucose, meaning that it requires a constant supply for optimal functioning.

Enjoying regular meals and snacks of low GI carbohydrate foods that produce a slow rise in blood glucose can ensure a steady supply of energy to the brain throughout the day.

Low GI carbohydrates include:  

• Brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, oats
• Chickpeas, lentils, beans and legumes
• Whole Wheat products like pasta and bread
• Root vegetables - sweet potato and potatoes

Fish

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) play a number of roles in the brain’s structure and function. Some studies indicate that a deficiency in PUFA has harmful effects on brain function.1 Conversely, studies have also shown that having a high intake is associated with positive cognitive function and slowed the progression of dementia (1).

Healthy fats include:

• Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines.
• Walnuts
• Avocado
• Olive oil

Caffeine

Caffeine promotes stimulation of the brain and the spinal cord; it makes you feel alert. It blocks the action of a chemical called adenosine. Adenosine is a brain chemical messenger that promotes sleep. This normally prevents the release of excitatory brain chemicals. Without adenosine, these chemicals can flow easily, providing a surge of energy and improved mental performance.

Caffeine is rich in:

• Coffee
• Black tea
• Quality dark chocolate (70% + Cocoa)

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant that primarily protects cells from damage. This damage increases during ageing and is considered a major contributor to loss of brain function. High vitamin E levels are regularly associated with better brain performance (2). Studies show that supplementation in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease can slow down the functional decline of the brain (3).

Sources of Vitamin E include:

• Nuts and seeds
• Dark leafy greens e.g. spinach
• Olive oil
• Avocado

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that the body cannot produce. Its roles include supporting nerve cells, red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked with memory loss, poor performance and brain damage. Studies show that a combination of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation slowed the mental decline in people with early-stage dementia (4).

Vitamin B12 is only found in animal products including:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Red meat

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is involved in over 100 enzyme reactions in the body. Several studies have shown a link between vitamin B6 and brain function in the elderly (5). They indicate that higher blood levels of vitamin B6 can improve memory (5).

Vitamin B6 rich food includes:

• Pork
• Fish
• Soya beans
• Brown rice

Zinc

Zinc is a trace element that plays a critical role in regulating communication between brain cells. The highest concentrations of zinc in the body are in brain cells in the hippocampus. This is the centre of learning and memory in the brain. Research suggests that deficits of zinc in this area can precipitate a decline in cognitive function (6).

Sources of zinc include:

• Shellfish
• Legumes
• Pumpkin seeds

Folic acid

Folic acid is an important brain food due to its role in enhancing cognitive performance, improving the ability to learn and perform. It is involved in fighting inflammation and reducing homocysteine (high levels of homocysteine are associated with heart diseases) (7,8). The deficiency of folic acid has been associated with cognitive decline (7,8,9).

Folic acid can be found in:

• Brussel sprouts
• Eggs
• Leafy greens

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Berries are one of the richest sources of this brain food. They have been linked with preventing inflammation in the brain that contributes to brain cell damage (10). Berries have also been shown to improve motor control and cognition (10).

Antioxidant-rich foods include:

• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Raspberries

Magnesium

Magnesium has over 300+ roles within the body. It is essential in transmission between brain nerve cells and muscle function. Emerging research suggests that magnesium may be important in the treatment of brain disorders such as migraines, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s (12).

Magnesium is found in:

• Spinach and kale
• Legumes
• Figs

Brain food to avoid

Some foods can have a negative impact on your brain health. So, it is important to be aware of these and limit where possible:

• Alcohol: In excess, drinking alcohol can cause brain damage. Small amounts can impair cognition, judgement and the ability to think clearly.
• Trans and Saturated fats: Saturated and trans fats are found in full-fat dairy, red meat and processed foods. Some studies have suggested that a high intake of saturated fat increases the risk of Alzheimer disease and dementia (1).
• Mercury in fish: Mercury is found in high levels in fish such as shark, orange roughy, tinned tuna, swordfish and ling. During pregnancy, mercury transmitted from mother to foetus may affect the baby’s brain development.
• Sugar: Studies show that children having sugary drinks and snacks for breakfast had poorer memory and attention. These foods are high trigger a fast release of blood glucose, causing a quick boost followed by a sudden drop in energy levels. Sugar can be harmful to the brain causing inflammation and oxidative stress.

Brain boosting supplements

To optimise brain health, focus on a balanced diet full of rich brain food such as fatty fish, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Limit processed foods, exercise regularly and ensure to prioritise your sleep.

If your diet is unbalanced, you may want to consider a vitamin or mineral supplement for extra support.

Vitable’s range of supplements can help you meet your needs. Take our supplement quiz to find out what best suits your needs.

Find out more about other areas that the above supplements can help you with:

Fish oil | Magnesium | Zinc | Activated B Complex

*Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Vitamin and/or mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.

References

1. Phillips, C. (2017). Lifestyle Modulators of Neuroplasticity: How Physical Activity, Mental Engagement, and Diet Promote Cognitive Health during Aging. Neural Plasticity, 2017, pp.1-22.
2. Fata, G., Weber, P. and Mohajeri, M. (2014). Effects of Vitamin E on Cognitive Performance during Ageing and in Alzheimer’s Disease. Nutrients, 6(12), pp.5453-5472.
3. Dysken, M., Sano, M., Asthana, S., Vertrees, J., Pallaki, M., Llorente, M., Love, S., Schellenberg, G., McCarten, J., Malphurs, J., Prieto, S., Chen, P., Loreck, D., Trapp, G., Bakshi, R., Mintzer, J., Heidebrink, J., Vidal-Cardona, A., Arroyo, L., Cruz, A., Zachariah, S., Kowall, N., Chopra, M., Craft, S., Thielke, S., Turvey, C., Woodman, C., Monnell, K., Gordon, K., Tomaska, J., Segal, Y., Peduzzi, P. and Guarino, P. (2014). Effect of Vitamin E and Memantine on Functional Decline in Alzheimer Disease. JAMA, 311(1), p.33.
4. Oulhaj, A., Jernerén, F., Refsum, H., Smith, A. and de Jager, C. (2016). Omega-3 Fatty Acid Status Enhances the Prevention of Cognitive Decline by B Vitamins in Mild Cognitive Impairment. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 50(2), pp.547-557.
5. Riggs, K., Spiro, A., Tucker, K. and Rush, D. (1996). Relations of vitamin B-12, vitamin B-6, folate, and homocysteine to cognitive performance in the Normative Aging Study. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 63(3), pp.306-314.
6. Sandstead, H., Frederickson, C. and Penland, J. (2000). History of Zinc as Related to Brain Function. The Journal of Nutrition, 130(2), pp.496S-502S.
7. Ma, F., Li, Q., Zhou, X., Zhao, J., Song, A., Li, W., Liu, H., Xu, W. and Huang, G. (2017). Effects of folic acid supplementation on cognitive function and Aβ-related biomarkers in mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Nutrition, 58(1), pp.345-356.
8. Ma, F., Wu, T., Zhao, J., Song, A., Liu, H., Xu, W. and Huang, G. (2016). Folic acid supplementation improves cognitive function by reducing the levels of peripheral inflammatory cytokines in elderly Chinese subjects with MCI. Scientific Reports, 6(1).
9. Michelakos, T., Kousoulis, A., Katsiardanis, K., Dessypris, N., Anastasiou, A., Katsiardani, K., Kanavidis, P., Stefanadis, C., Papadopoulos, F. and Petridou, E. (2013). Serum Folate and B12 Levels in Association With Cognitive Impairment Among Seniors. Journal of Aging and Health, 25(4), pp.589-616.
10. Miller, M. and Shukitt-Hale, B. (2012). Berry Fruit Enhances Beneficial Signaling in the Brain. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 60(23), pp.5709-5715.
11. Johnson, E., Vishwanathan, R., Johnson, M., Hausman, D., Davey, A., Scott, T., Green, R., Miller, L., Gearing, M., Woodard, J., Nelson, P., Chung, H., Schalch, W., Wittwer, J. and Poon, L. (2013). Relationship between Serum and Brain Carotenoids,α-Tocopherol, and Retinol Concentrations and Cognitive Performance in the Oldest Old from the Georgia Centenarian Study. Journal of Aging Research, 2013, pp.1-13.
12. Kirkland, A., Sarlo, G. and Holton, K. (2018). The Role of Magnesium in Neurological Disorders. Nutrients, 10(6), p.730.
13. Linus Pauling Institute. (2019). Curcumin. Published on: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/curcumin
14. Andrade, S., Ramalho, M., Pereira, M. and Loureiro, J. (2018). Resveratrol Brain Delivery for Neurological Disorders Prevention and Treatment. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9.
15. Murray-Kolb, L. and Beard, J. (2007). Iron treatment normalizes cognitive functioning in young women. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85(3), pp.778-787.