Don't Forget Your Healthy Brain Food

By Donna Stark

Feeling forgetful lately? Well, you're not alone. There's a whole bunch of us that are standing in the kitchen right now asking, "What did I come in here for?" It's pretty frustrating isn't it? But that is usually the case with forgetfulness, especially if you don't know what is causing it. Perhaps you aren't getting enough sleep or maybe you have too much on your mind? Those would certainly be the simplest of explanations, but forgetfulness can also be a sign of something more serious. That is why it is extremely important to take proactive steps with the care of your brain, and that means more than just avoiding any nasty hits or bumps to the head. It's also about how well you feed it.

Brain Food

Your brain is kind of a big deal and there is no doubt that your diet plays a major role in its overall health, so it's important to make sure you are consuming a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients every day. Here are some of the top foods you should consider adding to your diet for optimal performance.

• Veggies - Eating plenty of vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and dark leafy greens may help to improve memory and isn't hard at all to add into your diet. Toss some kale into your salad, add extra broccoli into your stir-fry, or substitute collard greens for a side dish.
• Fruit - There is nothing better than a handful of sweetness and now you have an extra reason to grab some! Antioxidant-rich berries, such as blackberries, blueberries, and cherries have been linked to increased memory function.
• Fish - Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to improve brain health and memory. Consider substituting fish for your standard meat and potato meals during the week or add some to your tacos, salads, and pasta dishes. It's hard to get bored of eating it because fish can be cooked in a variety of ways! 
• Nuts - In addition to being great for your heart, walnuts may also improve cognitive function. Add them to your yogurt, oatmeal, and salad or simply snack on them by the handful!
• Pomegranates - The pomegranate, or its juice, offers potent antioxidant benefits which protect the brain from the damage of free radicals. And although it may take some work to enjoy the benefits, it's definitely worth it.

Remembering a Healthy Diet

If there is anything you don't want to forget, it's how to incorporate foods into your diet that aren't just good for your body, but also great for the health of your brain. And while there's no guarantee that any type of food will help you remember why you are standing in the kitchen or where you parked your car, they will help to improve and sustain lifelong health.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Renton, Wash.