Most of us, since we were young, have been told what foods are bad for our bodies, and what health foods to eat to have more energy, to lose weight, and to feel better. But in more recent years, the health and wellness industry has given more attention to brain health - foods for mental power, memory, stability, and alertness. It makes sense that in order to achieve success with your health, you must give some tender loving care to the mind, body, and soul.

So, here’s some food for thought! I’m sharing the top foods that I use to maximize my brain power. Eat these regularly and notice the difference in the clarity of your thoughts and your ability to focus for longer periods of time. :-)

Top 7 Foods to Boost Your Mental Power:

1) Blueberries

Or, “brain berries” as Dr. Stephen Pratt, MD refers to them. Research has shown that blueberries can help with oxidative stress as well as possibly reducing the effects of age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia. So grab a handful every morning to start your day right!

2) Avocados

The monounsaturated fats in avocados are what contributes to healthy blood flow - and you know what that means - a healthy blood flow = a healthy brain! Also, avocados help to reduce blood pressure which is a crucial component in a nice, healthy brain. But be careful - avocados have a lot of calories, so go easy on them! ;-)

3) Fatty Fish

These include salmon, trout, and sardines. All rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, these foods have some powerful effects. Over half of your brain is made of fat, and half of that fat is Omega 3. There are quite a few benefits of Omega 3; your brain uses it for learning and memory, as well as building brain and nerve cells. Also, Omega fats can be preventative - staving off mental declines such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. So add some fatty fish to your diet a few times a week!

4) Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds have a lot of nutrients! Zinc (vital for nerve signaling), Magnesium (crucial for memory, learning and a lack of it leads to neurological issues including depression), copper (controls nerve signals), and iron (helps with brain fog and impaired brain function). I like to broil them in the oven, tossing them in coconut oil and some sea salt. They are delicious and nutritious!

5) Eggs

Eggs have B12 and B6, but they also have the micronutrient choline - which some studies have found are linked to better memory and overall mental function. It’s easy to have a lack of choline in your diet, so eggs are a great way to add it in since egg yolks are among the most concentrated sources of it. So scramble, boil, poach, or bake - whatever is your favorite way to eat eggs, start cooking.

6) Dark Chocolate

Is there anything bad to say about this? I don’t think so! Full of antioxidants, and enough (but not too much) caffeine to enhance focus and concentration. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, which elevates your mood. And the best part? It tastes great! But like everything else, eat it in moderation.

7) Green Tea

Like chocolate, green tea has caffeine to help boost mental clarity, but it also has an amino acid called L-theanine, and what that does is increase GABA (a neurotransmitter), helping to decrease anxiety and promote relaxation. Pretty heady stuff - no pun intended! There are also antioxidants in green tea. So there’s really no downside to heating up a cup for yourself and giving it a go!

These are just a few of the foods that are great for mental clarity and have proven successful for me to maintain optimal brain health. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below!

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I look forward to trying some of the foods you use for brain health - maybe even some recipes?

Until next time! ;-)