We all have heard of Chyawanprash which is a mixture of berries, herbs and spices and provides the necessary vitamins and antioxidants to keep us in supreme health. Many parents also give it to children as it is known to boost brain power. Apart from Chyawanprash, there are many foods that we have in our daily diet that enhance our intelligence. Following are eight such foods.

Dairy products (milk, cheese, sore cream)

A test conducted on volunteers revealed that those participants who daily used dairy products, scored high in tests related to logical thinking and memory than those who neglected yogurts and cheese. More than half of our brain consists of fat and therefore, fatty dairy products are especially good for the brain. Moreover, the lack of crucial fats can give rise to various unpleasant diseases, for example, multiple sclerosis. Besides that, protein, calcium, vitamin D and magnesium found in dairy products, play an important role in stimulation of brain activity.

Eggs

Eggs contain phospholipids and lecithin which play an integral part in the formation of the membrane of brain cell. The protein found in eggs is known to boost intellect. Eggs are actually rich in amino acids which are vital in the production of the principal neurotransmitters. A synthesis made from serine and methionine are used in the process of memorization, where noradrenalin, stimulating learning, and its production relies on the presence of tyrosine and phenylalanine, which are again found in eggs’ proteins.

Spinach

All leafy vegetables are rich in Vitamin B9 or folates, which is thought to play an active role in the development of a fetus’ nervous tissue and also in the renewal of blood cells. Spinach contains flavonoids whose stimulating properties increase memory and concentration through encouraging cerebral blood flow.

Pulses

The brain is said to be dependent on glucose and totally relies on it for fuel. Our brain consumes more than five grams an hour but does not know how to store it. That is why the brain has to be regularly supplied by glucose through the circulatory system. The capacity of the brain to memorise depends on the blood level of glucose. Pulses allow the regulation of glucose in the blood as they are full of complex sugars having low glycaemic index. Therefore, one must have two portions of pulses daily to keep the blood sugar levels stable and supply the brain with fuel.

10. Berries               

All edible berries are bursting with vitamin C (blackcurrants have three times as much concentration in Vitamin C as kiwi fruit, and twice as much as citruses). Berries get their colour from the antioxidant micronutrients present in them. Together, they not only strengthen blood capillaries and improve circulation, which enables the best oxygenation of the brain but also fight against free radicals which can affect nerve cells, especially brain cells.
 

11.Bananas
 

Bananas are loaded with magnesium which is an essential mineral in the transmission of nervous impulses. They also contain vitamin B6 vitamin which not only helps in the assimilation of magnesium, but also in the metabolism of amino acids and the functioning of the nervous system through producing certain neurotransmitters.

Coffee and tea

Studies have shown that the presence of molecules of caffeine in tea and coffee help improve cognitive function and prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Based on the result of tests conducted on mice in 2011, researchers said that coffee eventually might serve as a therapeutic treatment for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Tea also showed protective effects on the brain. It contains antioxidants which help fight free radicals and boost the brain’s activity. It has been found that tea drinkers do better on tests on memory and information processing than those who rarely drink it.

14. Nuts and seeds

Mother Nature seems to convey to us the importance of walnuts for the brain by making them resemble like a tiny brain. Nuts and seeds are good sources of vitamin E which is essential for the proper functioning of the brain. A daily dose of almonds, cashews, peanuts and sesame seeds is good for the brain. Just a handful of pumpkin seeds a day is all you need to get your recommended daily amount of zinc, vital for enhancing thinking skills and memory.