Want to read more? Create a FREE account on aarp.org.
A healthy lifestyle helps protect the brain. Make brain health a habit and register on aarp.org to access Staying Sharp.
Login to Unlock AccessNot Registered? Create Account
Your brain needs healthy foods. What we eat affects how we think and how we feel. There’s even evidence that consuming certain foods may help protect the brain. But no one food will prevent dementia or protect memory as we age — the brain needs a variety of fruits, vegetables, proteins and carbohydrates to function best. Check out these foods, recipes, videos and more to help create your own “super-diet.” Make sure you talk to your doctor about any changes to your diet.
10 Terrific Foods for Brain Health
Packed with healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, micronutrients and antioxidants, these nutrition boosters could be great additions to your diet.
Kale: Nutrients in this long-stemmed leafy green may help slow the loss of memory and thinking skills that typically come with age.
Eggs: Egg yolks are rich in vitamin D, which research has found may help protect against memory loss and forgetfulness.
Avocados: This fruit provides B vitamins that studies have found may boost mood, reduce anxiety and relieve irritability.
Lemons and limes: A naturally occurring compound in citrus fruits may help safeguard the brain's nerve cells.
Walnuts: Munching on walnuts may help enhance mental abilities such as thinking and reasoning.
Beans: Black, green, white or spotted beans contain a folate (vitamin B9) that may help guard against memory loss.
Blueberries: Brightly colored berries play a role in improving communication between brain cells.
Rolled oats: Rolled oats and other whole grains provide a steady supply of glucose to fuel the brain.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Compounds found in this oil may increase mental focus and slow a decline in thinking skills, researchers say.
Coffee and tea: Several studies suggest that these freshly brewed drinks may slow brain aging, improve mood and protect memory.
Recipes
Colorful vegetables, tangy fruits, whole-grain breads, eggs and more should be a routine part of your daily fare. Here are some delicious ways to get started.
Eat Right for Brain Function, Health and Memory
Discover how the right foods can help reduce inflammation, balance your gut and strengthen the immune system. Plus, learn how to make healthy, delicious choices.
MEMBERS ONLY
Research has found that eating a Mediterranean diet over other certain foods may help protect your brain against dementia.
Challenges
Added to Favorites
Favorite removed
MEMBERS ONLY
Experts say many older adults may need to get more protein than the recommended dietary allowance to help our brains and bodies as we age.
Challenges
Added to Favorites
Favorite removed
MEMBERS ONLY
Inflammation can be harmful to the brain. Research shows these seven anti-inflammatory foods in your diet may help protect your memory and thinking skills.
Challenges
Added to Favorites
Favorite removed
MEMBERS ONLY
People who eat baked or broiled fish at least once a week may improve their brain health and cut the risk of developing memory problems or brain diseases.
Challenges
Added to Favorites
Favorite removed
MEMBERS ONLY
A study suggests that eating a daily orange could keep your brain healthier as you age by helping to reduce the dementia risk.
Challenges
Added to Favorites
Favorite removed
MEMBERS ONLY
Research has shown that diets rich in vitamin E are associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline. Try these six foods to help top up your levels.
Challenges
Added to Favorites
Favorite removed
MEMBERS ONLY
Healthy foods can help support brain function. Here are five small changes to your diet that may have a major impact on brain health.
Challenges
Added to Favorites
Favorite removed
MEMBERS ONLY
Research has found that eating a Mediterranean diet over other certain foods may help protect your brain against dementia.
Challenges
Added to Favorites
Favorite removed
MEMBERS ONLY
Experts say many older adults may need to get more protein than the recommended dietary allowance to help our brains and bodies as we age.
Challenges
Added to Favorites
Favorite removed
MEMBERS ONLY
Inflammation can be harmful to the brain. Research shows these seven anti-inflammatory foods in your diet may help protect your memory and thinking skills.
Challenges
Added to Favorites
Favorite removed
MEMBERS ONLY
People who eat baked or broiled fish at least once a week may improve their brain health and cut the risk of developing memory problems or brain diseases.
Challenges
Added to Favorites
Favorite removed
MEMBERS ONLY
A study suggests that eating a daily orange could keep your brain healthier as you age by helping to reduce the dementia risk.
Challenges
Added to Favorites
Favorite removed
MEMBERS ONLY
Research has shown that diets rich in vitamin E are associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline. Try these six foods to help top up your levels.
Challenges
Added to Favorites
Favorite removed
MEMBERS ONLY
Healthy foods can help support brain function. Here are five small changes to your diet that may have a major impact on brain health.
Challenges
Added to Favorites
Favorite removed