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 With Brain-Healthy Ingredients
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 make healthy, delicious choices.
Research has found that eating a Mediterranean diet over other certain foods may help protect your brain against dementia.
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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.
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Scientists understand that the mind and gut are linked. To make sure your gut functions at its best, here are four foods to help it do just that.
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Inflammation can be harmful to the brain. Work these seven anti-inflammatory foods into your diet to help protect your memory and thinking skills.
Added to Plan
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The brain needs energy to work, and what you eat matters. Plenty of foods can make a big difference in how well your brain functions.
Added to Plan
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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.
Added to Plan
Plan removed
A study suggests that eating a daily orange could keep your brain healthier as you age by helping to reduce the dementia risk.
Added to Plan
Plan removed
The evidence is clear that vitamin E helps maintain brain health, but most people don't get enough of it from their diet. These six foods will help.
Added to Plan
Plan removed
Healthy foods can help keep your brain functioning well. Here are seven small changes to your diet that may have a major impact on brain health.
Added to Plan
Plan removed
Research has found that eating a Mediterranean diet over other certain foods may help protect your brain against dementia.
Added to Plan
Plan removed
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.
Added to Plan
Plan removed
Scientists understand that the mind and gut are linked. To make sure your gut functions at its best, here are four foods to help it do just that.
Added to Plan
Plan removed
Inflammation can be harmful to the brain. Work these seven anti-inflammatory foods into your diet to help protect your memory and thinking skills.
Added to Plan
Plan removed
The brain needs energy to work, and what you eat matters. Plenty of foods can make a big difference in how well your brain functions.
Added to Plan
Plan removed
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.
Added to Plan
Plan removed
A study suggests that eating a daily orange could keep your brain healthier as you age by helping to reduce the dementia risk.
Added to Plan
Plan removed
The evidence is clear that vitamin E helps maintain brain health, but most people don't get enough of it from their diet. These six foods will help.
Added to Plan
Plan removed
Healthy foods can help keep your brain functioning well. Here are seven small changes to your diet that may have a major impact on brain health.
Added to Plan
Plan removed