• Home
  • Mu Mu Muesli –
  • Pancakes
  • Shop
    • Buy Bags of Organic Muesli Online
    • bulk muesli
    • Pancakes and Pancake and Muesli combinations
    • Find a Store
  • About
    • About Us
    • Reviews
  • Blog
  • Sign In
  • Your Account
  • Cart

Free Same Day Shipping!

Sharon Springs
sales@mumumuesli.com
$0.00
No products in the cart
Go to shop
Mu Mu MuesliMu Mu Muesli
  • Home
  • Mu Mu Muesli –
  • Pancakes
  • Shop
    • Buy Bags of Organic Muesli Online
    • bulk muesli
    • Pancakes and Pancake and Muesli combinations
    • Find a Store
  • About
    • About Us
    • Reviews
  • Blog
  • Sign In
  • Your Account
  • Cart
Best Foods for Brain Health
Learn what foods to eat for a healthy brain - and how certain vitamins affect memory, mood, and concentration.

What to Eat for a Happier, Healthier Brain

May 15, 2019 Posted by Mu Mu Muesli Healthy Eating

Did you know what you eat impacts more than your weight and physical condition? It affects your emotional well-being, too. This is why it’s important to emphasize the best foods for brain health each and every time you’re meal planning!

The brain is the most crucial part of your body. It controls just about everything – your muscle movements, heartbeat, breathing, hunger, happiness and more. It does this even when you are asleep. Isn’t it great that eating certain foods can boost its power?

Best Vitamins for Brain Fog
Discover the best foods for brain health and how they can help you focus better and even prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s!

Why Should You Eat Healthy for Your Brain?

For many, the term “health” means just physical well-being. However, it’s best to take a holistic perspective of your health. It’s helpful to consider multiple facets including emotional, physical, and mental health, because they all affect one another!

You need to eat the best foods for brain health in order to:

  • Stay focused on a task
  • Improve clear thinking
  • Boost cognitive performance
  • Enhance memory
  • Prevent the risk of brain damage
  • Lower your risk of depression, mood swings
  • Reduce your risk of degenerative conditions of the brain

But First: What Foods Should You Avoid for Optimal Brain Health?

It turns out that what we eat influences your brain in many ways. Studies show that teens who eat fast food, red and processed meat, sugary soft drinks, fried and refined food reported poor cognitive performance.

Another example of a dangerous sweetener is aspartame, a type of artificial sweetener. Eating foods containing aspartame or using it as a sweetener to your beverages has deteriorating effects on the brain. Research shows that chemicals in aspartame cross the blood-brain barrier, act as stressors and increases the risk of damage to the brain. Also, studies report that aspartame intake also increases the risk of depression and mood swings.

Holistic Nutrition for Emotional Health
The addicting sweetener additive, aspartame, is present in a lot of diet sodas. However, it isn’t nearly as innocent as it tastes!

Many studies confirm that high intake of sugary foods is not only bad for your weight and heart; it also severely impacts your brain. One study observed the link between high blood sugar levels and risk of dementia among the participants. Researchers found that the risk of dementia was higher even in those without diabetes.

In short, if you don’t choose healthy foods, you are at risk for:
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Poor cognitive performance
  • Alzheimer’s, dementia, or memory loss

But the good news is that, with healthy dietary choices you can protect your brain and reduce the risk of many degenerative brain conditions. For instance, many studies show that taking omega-3 fats and curcumin has fantastic brain-protecting effects.

The 4 Best Foods For Your Brain

Now that you know what you eat is a big deal! Let’s take a look at specific foods and how they boost your brain power, increase happiness and keep you healthier too! Check out this evidence-based list.

1. Berries

Best Vitamins for Brain Health
The antioxidants in berries sharpen your mind and have been shown to prevent brain disease!

Besides their nutritional significance, berries contain important phytonutrients which boost brain power. The potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of berries make them a superfood for your brain. The Nurses Health Study (conducted jointly by Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard School of Public Health) found that women (70+ years) that consumed at least 1- 2 servings of strawberries per week had reduced cognitive loss.

A review of several studies shows that berries help prevent memory loss and boost brain function. According to researchers, berries improve the communication between brain cells due to their antioxidant effects. It leads to improved memory, recalling abilities, and other cognitive activities.

Note: Choose organically grown berries to avoid pesticides and other toxins which can be harmful to your brain. The EWG recommends choosing organic berries since conventionally grown berries are sprayed with pesticides.

2. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolates are true brain-boosters, and they are called so for solid reasons. Additionally, these types of chocolates are high in cacao, which contributes to its characteristic bitter taste. Cacao in its raw form is high in the “bliss molecule” anandamide.

Anandamide is part of your brain’s endocannabinoid system, and its job is to keep a state of balance to your mind. It keeps you from being in a continuous state of sorrow or anxiety.

How Dark Chocolate Can Improve Mental Health
Dark chocolate contains the “bliss molecule” that can actually help with depression!

Anandamide regulates everything about your emotions like happiness, satisfaction, fear, and your ability to cope with stress and anxiety. Research confirms that elevated anandamide levels exert anti-depressant like activity in the brain. Studies on rats found that anandamide lowered depression symptoms in five weeks of treatment.

Fortunately, raw cacao contains plenty of anandamide, and it also has MAO (Monamine oxidase enzyme) inhibitors. MAO inhibitors prevent the breakdown of anandamide by enzymes. Another plus is that raw cacao has an fantastic combination of nutrients that help increase the level of serotonin, another neurotransmitter. Serotonin contributes to well-being and feelings of happiness.

Note: If you are choosing chocolates to boost your anandamide levels, go for raw chocolates that are not heat-treated. Choose dark chocolates over regular ones as they have lower sugar. Always look for dark chocolates and raw cacao that are least processed for beneficial effects.

3. Healthy Fats

Be sure to include plenty of healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and avocado to get enough of the essential (omega-3) and monounsaturated fats. Omega-3: Research confirms that omega-3 helps counteract neurological and cognitive disorders. Fatty fish, especially deep-caught ones are abundant in the omega-3 fat – DHA, which is crucial for your brain.

Best Fats for Brain Health
Walnuts are an excellent source of natural, healthy fatty acids that are good for your brain!

However, fish is not a safe nor sustainable source of this essential nutrient. You can get omega-3 from nuts and seeds like walnuts, hemp, chia, almonds, and flaxseeds.

They provide ALA, a type of omega-3 fat which your body converts to DHA.

You also can take algal oil to get a direct DHA. Algae are the base of the food chain; smaller fish eat these algae and store it in their body. The bigger fish like salmon, eat the smaller ones and store DHA in their tissues. Algal oil is your best bet if you want to avoid sea contaminants like mercury, PCB’s, dioxins from fish consumption.

Monounsaturates

Monounsaturated fats from avocado is your best bet if you are looking for a treasure trove of brain nutrients. Besides its brain-nourishing fat, avocados are also rich in folate and vitamin K which are essential for proper brain function. Other sources of monounsaturated fats include olive oil, sesame oil, sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame seeds. Including enough monounsaturated fats help protect astrocytes, a type of nerve cells that carry information.

One way to add avocado to your diet is through homemade smoothie bowls. Another easy recipe is a creamy mashed avocado pancake topping.

4. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that keep your brain young. Green vegetables are rich in brain-protective nutrients like folate, vitamin K, E, Betacarotene, kaempferol, and lutein.

Best Vegetables for Brain Function and Focus
Leafy grains like kale and spinach are great brain boosters! (Tip: they work wonderfully in green smoothies.)

A study from Rush University found that people who ate at least one serving of green leafy veggies were 11 years younger in cognitive age when compared to those who rarely or never ate green leafy vegetables.

Also, most dark greens like collard, broccoli, spinach, Brussel sprouts, and asparagus are abundant in the B vitamin -folate. You need folate to support brain function and the cell structure. Folate does this by reducing the production of beta-amyloids the toxic proteins. Presence of too many Beta-amyloids leads to plaque formation in the brain and increases the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Another protective component is the flavonoid Kaempferol present in cruciferous vegetables and a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. Kaempferol plays a crucial role in inhibiting the production of  the enzyme that breaks down anandamide.

You Know the Best Foods for Brain Health…
So Now What?!

The above list is by no means a comprehensive one. You need to include a variety of wholesome foods and rainbow-colored produce to boost your brain power and emotional well-being. Examples include fermented foods, spices like turmeric, herbs like rosemary are all brain-boosters in their unique ways.

Take a comprehensive look at many ways you can improve the health of your brain. Besides food choices, your lifestyle habits also count toward keeping you sharp and happy.

Here are a few more tips for keeping your brain sharp:
  • Keep your brain physically active – challenge yourself to learn something new, engage in real-world socialization (nope, social media doesn’t count here!).
  • Allow your brain to calm down and re-wire with pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation and mindfulness.
  • Volunteering, pursuing a hobby, learning a new skill – all of these activities help you stay sharp, happy and healthy.

Cheers to healthy living!

Readers who liked “The Best Foods for Brain Health: What to Eat for a Happier, Healthier Brain” also loved:
The Astounding Benefits of Including Fiber in Your Diet
Are You Eating One of these 7 Weed Killer Containing Cereals?
Tags: Best Foods for Brain HealthBest Foods for Your BrainBest Vitamins for BrainClean Eating Foods ListClean Eating Tips for BeginnersExamples of Healthy FatsFoods to AvoidHealth Benefits of BerriesHealth Benefits of Dark ChocolateHealth Benefits of Healthy FatsHealth Benefits of Leafy GreensList of Healthy Fats in FoodsVegan Food ListVegan Grocery List for BeginnersVitamins for Brain HealthWalnut Benefits for Brain
Share
0

About Mu Mu Muesli

We are Lisa Zaccaglini and Mike Shuster, owners of the delicious breakfast cereal, Mu Mu Muesli. A cereal unlike any other! Our organic cereal has 8 simple, whole ingredients with no added sugar, oil or salt. We started Mu Mu back in 2008 at Farmers Markets in upstate New York, and now can be found in natural food stores in the northeast and online where we offer free shipping.

You also might be interested in

Easy Swiss Muesli Recipes
Welcome to your complete guide to making overnight oats! This vegan food blog post includes tips and recipes. This collection of fast vegan breakfast recipes is very diverse, ranging from protein overnight oats to banana oats to low calorie overnight ideas. Enjoy!

Tutorial: How to Make Healthy Overnight Oats (Bircher Muesli Recipes)

Oct 9, 2019

Maybe you just want to know how to make the simplest overnight oats possible. Or perhaps you're searching for fresh takes on the classic Swiss muesli recipe variations. Whatever the case, the following collection of easy breakfast recipes is overflowing with overnight oatmeal ideas in the recipes, pictures, and videos below.

Benefits of Coconut Oil
Learn all about the health benefits of coconut (including raw coconut, coconut oil, and coconut water) for your brain and body. In addition to being wonderful for your skin and hair, it also helps prevent some rather serious diseases!

8 Stunning Health Benefits of Coconuts

May 15, 2019

Are you ready to supercharge your health through a whole, natural, organic foods diet? Dubbed the "tree of life" in many cultures, the coconut is definitely one of those foods to add to your "must eat" list. In fact, the health benefits of coconut are truly astounding! It's an incredibly versatile food, so there are many different ways to work it into your diet. It also has amazing benefits for your skin, hair, and body.

a woman and a man doing planks at a workout gym with high energy

Delicious Vegan Energy Foods

Mar 1, 2021

These are some of the best vegan energy foods to[...]

contact us!

Send us an email and we'll get back to you, as soon as possible.

Send Message

Free Same Day Shipping!

  • Mu Mu Muesli
  • Sharon Springs, New York
  • 518 284 2441
  • sales@mumumuesli.com
  • https://www.mumumuesli.com

Fresh from our blog

  • Spooky Halloween Breakfast Ideas
  • Is Muesli a Healthy Snack?
  • What is the Difference Between Muesli and Granola?
  • DIY Granola Bars: Make Healthy Back-to-School Snacks

©2023 – Mu Mu Muesli | Refunds and Returns

  • Home
  • Mu Mu Muesli –
  • Pancakes
  • Shop
    • Buy Bags of Organic Muesli Online
    • bulk muesli
    • Pancakes and Pancake and Muesli combinations
    • Find a Store
  • About
    • About Us
    • Reviews
  • Blog
  • Sign In
  • Your Account
  • Cart
Prev Next