Latina Fresh

Healthy eating made easy.

Food for thought. Brain food.

Turns out upping your IQ is easy as pie. Well not necessarily pie, but plenty of other foods. There are loads of fruits, veggies and meats out there that have been proven to boost brain power. The brain thrives on antioxidants, good fats, carbs, and fiber, so here's how to get the most of them.

Fish: Cold water fish like wild salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are essential building blocks for the brain, and a diet lacking in them can lead to subpar brain development.

Fruit and Veggies: These are packed with vitamins, flavonoids and other nutrients that improve brain function. Vitamin C and flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects which help protect the brain from damage. Look to citrus fruits for Vitamin C, and any fruit or vegetable with a deep colour for flavonoids.

Whole Grains: These tiny grains are more powerful than they look. They're rich in folate and vitamin B6, which help protect and improve circulation in the brain.

Nuts and Seeds: Loaded with vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and vitamin B. They help improve general brain functioning.

Good Carbs: The brain needs these to function. With that said, to keep the brain stable and steady, avoid sugar rich foods. You'll only get an initial mental boost from these, then you'll feel sluggish afterwards.

If you're struggling to squeeze these super foods into your diet regularly, you can buy supplements to make sure you're still getting the goodness they provide.

These articles are provided for interest only. Individual circumstances may vary, so be sure to seek professional advice.

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