Nutritionist recommends cheaper alternatives to brain-healthy superfoods
A healthy diet is one of the greatest layers of protection you can offer to your brain.
While superfoods offer a myriad of health benefits thanks to their content of potent plant compounds, an expert has shared you don’t need to reach deep inside your pockets to boost your brain health.
1. Avocados
The creamy fruit has experienced a boom in popularity in the last decade, with many TikTok users claiming it can support brain health thanks to its vitamin E content.
While registered nutritional therapist at Nutrable, Caroline Hind, agreed that there are health benefits to consuming avocados, there are more everyday food items you can add to your diet that will offer the “same results”.
Hind said: “Eating a variety of nuts, seeds and green vegetables can meet the body’s vitamin E needs and also provide the brain-supporting B vitamins that are also found in avocado.”
READ MORE Just a handful of antioxidant-rich fruit could improve your brain health
2. Matcha
Whether you drink it iced or hot, matcha is nothing new as the green beverage dates back to 1100s Japan.
Its health tradition is built on L-theanine content, which describes an amino acid shown to relieve stress, improve mood and help regulate sleeping patterns.
While matcha may have more brain benefits than green tea, the cheaper alternative still offers some potent effects.
Don’t miss…
Four early symptoms of dementia that can appear before memory loss[SIGNS]
Just a handful of antioxidant-rich fruit could improve your brain health[DIET TIPS]
Dr Mosley shares practice that could make your brain ‘50 years younger’[EXPERT]
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
James Roy, brain health expert from Brainworks Neurotherapy, said: “The combination of L-theanine and caffeine in matcha has been shown to have positive effects on brain function.
“However, the differences between matcha and green tea are not dramatic.
“Regular green tea offers many of the same cognitive benefits due to its rich content of antioxidants, L-theanine, and caffeine, without the potential cost and preparation complexities associated with matcha.”
3. Acai
Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, Acai berries could protect your brain from neurodegenerative diseases and help to improve memory.
But the expensive berry isn’t the only one to offer antioxidants. Roy said: “Berry pigments (flavonoids) that give them their brilliant hues help improve memory and delay memory decline by two to three years. Two servings of blueberries per week will keep your flavonoid levels up.”
If you’re not a fan of blueberries, you can try blackberries, blackcurrants and raspberries instead, the expert added.
Source: Read Full Article