Smart Foods for a Healthy Brain

Food fuels not just the body, but the mind as well. For individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), certain “smart” foods can aid in concentration and help focus attention on specific tasks. However, moderation is key when it comes to consumption.

What are smart foods?

Clinical studies suggest that certain foods promote healthier brain function than others.

For a healthier brain, try starting with these foods:

1. Sugar – While excessive consumption of refined sugars is frowned upon, natural sugars in moderation can actually promote healthy brain function. For example, the glucose you get from drinking a glass of orange juice is a quick way to give your memory a boost.
2. Dark Chocolate – Dark chocolate in moderation offers powerful antioxidant properties that promote concentration and focus. It functions similarly to caffeine. Just an ounce can help you work through the day, but too much can make you feel anxious and jittery.
3. Nuts and Seeds – Nuts and seeds are packed with Vitamin E, which various clinical studies have linked to lessening the memory loss that often comes with age.
4. Fish – Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for brain health. Diets that are high in omega-3 fatty acids can lower your risk of dementia and stroke, and help prevent memory loss. They have also been linked to improved concentration and memory.
5. Avocados and Whole Grains – Foods containing whole grains and fruits like avocados can help the body stave off high cholesterol and heart disease by breaking down plaque and increasing blood flow. Because the brain needs the oxygen blood carries, these foods can be a simple way to get the brain going.
6. Blueberries – Research suggests that the consumption of blueberries can protect the brain against free radicals, and even mitigate the effects of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other conditions that often accompany aging.

If you’re having trouble concentrating or simply need a boost to get your brain going, we hope implementing these smart foods into your diet helps. Here’s to a happy, healthy brain!