We all want to be as productive and mentally sharp as possible. While foods like fish, nuts, and leafy greens are well-known for boosting brain health, some unexpected products can also boost your gray matter.
Read on to learn about some surprise superfoods that will help you unlock your full mental potential.
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The Magic of Mushrooms
One unexpectedly brain-friendly food is mushrooms. While fungi may not seem like an obvious choice for brain food, many varieties contain antioxidants, vitamin D, and nerve growth factors that support neurological health.
In some cases, they don’t even need to be cooked or processed. Snacks like mushroom gummies can be found at Wellnao. They combine numerous health benefits in a small package.
Research has found mushrooms to be particularly promising for improving cognitive function. One study gave adults suffering from mild cognitive impairment a mushroom supplement for 16 weeks. At the end of the study, they showed significant improvements in brain function tests compared to the placebo group.
Types of Mushrooms for Brain Health
Scientists have proven some special types of mushrooms that are helpful for brain function:
- Reishi: Contains triterpenoids that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress on brain cells
- Lion’s Mane: Stimulates growth of neurons and neural pathways
- Cordyceps: Boosts blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain
- Oyster: High in vitamin D, which is crucial for cognitive function
- Shiitake: Provides nerve growth factors that stimulate brain cell development
You can find them at almost any specialty store.
Ways to Add More Mushrooms
Follow these instructions to make sure you don’t make the mistake of using mushrooms:
- Sauté mushrooms in olive oil and add to omelets, pasta, or tacos
- Blend dried mushrooms into powder to use in soups, stews, etc.
- Take mushroom extract supplements if you don’t like mushrooms
- Order mushroom-based meals when dining out
- Add mushrooms to pizza, sandwiches, salads and more
So which mushrooms pack the biggest mental boost? Reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps have the most science backing up their brain-boosting abilities.
Trying mushroom gummies, powdered supplements, or simply sautéing more mushrooms to add to your meals can help you reap their neuron-nourishing benefits.
The Surprising Brain Benefits of Cocoa
Indulging your sweet tooth with a bit of dark chocolate could actually provide compound interest for your brain.
Cocoa contains flavonoids that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which protect neurons.
Cocoa also prompts the brain to release more serotonin and endorphins, putting you in a positive mood.
Furthermore, research suggests that the flavonoids found in cocoa may stimulate blood flow and neuron signaling pathways in regions of the brain related to memory.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience had participants drink two cups of hot cocoa daily for a month.
They showed improved speed and accuracy on memory tests, along with an increase in blood flow to the hippocampus.
So go ahead and enjoy a square or two of dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. Just be sure to watch your overall sugar intake. The cocoa itself offers brain benefits, but excess sugar does not.
Secret Brain-Booster: Walnuts
Walnuts may look like plain nuts, but they’re hiding a secret. These wrinkly nuts are packed with vitamin E, folate, melatonin, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Research suggests walnuts may be exceptionally helpful for maintaining brain health.
A study in the Journal of Nutrition, Health, and Aging had adults eat about 2 ounces of walnuts daily for 8 weeks. They showed significant improvements in inferential reasoning, recognition, and other cognitive tasks compared to the control group.
The researchers believe walnuts’ abundance of neuroprotective compounds fueled these mental performance benefits.
Add walnuts to salads, oatmeal, yogurt, and snacks to start harnessing their brainpower. Just an ounce a day is enough to start experiencing their neuron-nourishing effects.
Hydration for Optimal Cognitive Performance
Staying properly hydrated is crucial for your brain to operate at peak performance. Even mild dehydration causes fatigue, headaches, and mental fog.
A study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that adults solved cognitive tests significantly faster and more accurately with higher water intake. Proper hydration keeps your mind sharp and energized.
Besides water, you can also hydrate with coconut water, fruit-infused water, smoothies, herbal tea, and broth-based soups. If plain water seems boring, add cucumber slices, lemon wedges, fresh mint, parsley, or ginger for flavor.
Getting at least eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids daily will boost your hydration and cognition.
Feed Your Brain for Success
You now know a few unexpected foods that can supercharge your productivity by enhancing cognitive function.
Mushrooms, cocoa, walnuts, and water are readily available items you can incorporate into your diet for improved memory, sharper focus, quicker thinking, and optimal learning capacity. Feed your neurons well, and your mind will thank you.
