Since the industrial revolution, humans have consumed more and more toxic substances. Whether it be in the air, our drinking water, and even our food, these toxins have a dire effect on our overall brain function.
While there are many theories, one thing cannot be denied, the number of neurological disorders has increased exponentially over the last three or four decades, and many health officials are beginning to believe micro toxins are the cause.
Because of this, many people have turned to superfoods and supplements to help increase their brain function and protect them against potentially damaging micro toxins.
Here we will go over some of the most widely used smart foods and supplements, what they do, and what benefits people can expect to see from them.
Piracetam
First developed sometime between 1950 and 1960, this nootropic compound has been marketed as both a cognitive enhancer and neuroprotectant. Although there is much debate in regards to its efficacy, several studies have shown that daily use noticeably slowed the progression of Alzheimer's in those afflicted with the disease.
Beyond this, many users online swear by the compound, especially when taken in conjunction with other nootropics.
Fish
People have known about the health and brain benefits of fish for many years. When we look at the places in the world where people live the longest, a common thread we see is they almost have diets high in fish.
“One thing to keep in mind when consuming fish is that while the animal is very healthy, some species have high mercury levels and other heavy metals, which can significantly contribute to cognitive decline. Because of this, it's important to always do some research before switching to a fish-heavy diet,” says Gillian Krenson, a writer at UKWritings and SimpleGrad.
Blueberries
Blueberries are not only healthy but have also been shown to help fight against short-term memory loss. The basis for these claims is a 201 study that came out of Tufts University, which showed that people who consume high amounts of blueberries had a slower rate of short-term memory loss than those who did not.
Not only are blueberries considered a great smart food, but they are also high in antioxidants, which can help keep skin healthy and even fight off cancer-causing free radicals.
Eggs
Certain groups of B-vitamins are known to reduce homocysteine levels in the blood. Why is this important? Well, high levels of this compound are associated with brain shrinkage and higher rates of Alzheimer's. Luckily, eggs are known to contain high levels of the b vitamins known to reduce homocysteine levels and promote healthy brain function
Ginkgo Biloba
While modern science is still skeptical of how well the substance works, Ginkgo Biloba has been used for centuries by people of Asia as a supplement to increase memory and cognitive function and combat neurological decline
Broccoli
Broccoli is high in Vitamin K, a substance known to increase cognitive function and improve memory. Furthermore, Broccoli is high in compounds called glucosinolates which can help improve neurotransmitter functionality.
“Aside from this, Broccoli is also an excellent food for overall health, being rich in vitamins and fiber and is considered one of the best vegetables to promote a healthy diet,” says Hillary Wilson, a food expert at Bestbritishessays and Studydemic.
Almonds
Often touted for their cancer-fighting properties, almonds contain a high amount of omega-three fatty acids, which several studies have linked to better brain function, especially in individuals of advanced age. Almonds also contain a high amount of vitamin E, which has also shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of Alzheimers.
Coffee
There has been much debate over the years about whether or not coffee is good for you. This debate seems to have been settled in recent years, and most researchers agree that coffee contains a high amount of healthy antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. In recent years, several studies have shown that consistent coffee drinkers present a lower risk of developing Alzheimers.
Greek Yogurt
Scientists are just beginning to understand how the gut biome affects our mental health and cognitive function, and they have seen that people require a healthy mix of gut bacteria for proper brain function. Because of this, people are starting to look at natural greek yogurt as a way to improve their gut biome and increase their cognitive functioning.
