Having a better brain function is an important aspect of healthy living. If you’re not getting the right amount of exercise and diet, you may find that your memory, concentration, and other cognitive abilities are not as strong as they should be. Thankfully, there are ways to improve your brain function without having to go to a doctor.
Exercise
Whether you’re a competitive athlete or just want to be healthier, exercise is a great way to boost your brain function. It’s also great for your heart and weight. It’s important to know that it’s not as difficult as it may seem to get the most out of exercise.
A new study has found that a modest aerobic workout increases the production of brain cells in the hippocampus, a small area of the brain that is responsible for memory and learning. The results of the study have been published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Turmeric
Adding turmeric to your daily diet can help improve brain function. The spice is rich in anti-oxidants and has many medicinal properties.
Studies have shown that turmeric reduces inflammation in the brain. This can be a big factor in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Inflammation can shut down brain cells’ production of energy.
It is also known to increase the production of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine. These messengers are responsible for influencing our moods and well-being.
One study found that taking curcumin improved attention and visual memory. The ingredient can also improve mental calmness.
Lion’s mane
Several studies have demonstrated that Lion’s Mane improves brain function. It is thought to increase the number of nerve growth factor (NGF) cells, which are involved in the development of new neurons. It may also reduce inflammation and alleviate the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases.
Some researchers have suggested that a compound found in lion’s mane could help reverse Alzheimer’s disease. It has been shown to increase acetylcholine levels, which are involved in memory. The peptides in lion’s mane may break up beta amyloid plaques, which are associated with Alzheimer’s.
Jigsaw puzzles
Putting puzzle pieces together can stimulate your brain and help improve your cognitive abilities. It also helps strengthen your memory and reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Several studies have found that doing puzzles can increase the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that increases your sense of optimism and self-confidence.
Dopamine helps improve memory and motor skills, as well as boosts your mood and confidence. It also helps prevent bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. In addition, it increases your short-term memory, which helps you with your daily tasks.
Cocoa extract
Several studies have found that cocoa flavanols can enhance brain function. They increase the blood flow to the brain and may have neuroprotective effects. They can protect brain cells from inflammation and injury, counteract cognitive decline, and improve memory and executive function.
In the COSMOS-Mind study, researchers tested the effects of daily multivitamin-mineral supplementation and a cocoa extract. These two interventions were given to a total of 2200 people age 65 and older. The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging.
The results showed that the multivitamin-mineral group had better performance in memory and executive function than the placebo group. They also had a slower rate of cognitive decline by two years.
Pumpkin seeds
Whether you are looking to increase mental health, improve cognitive function, or protect your brain from disease, pumpkin seeds can offer a host of benefits. They are a great source of essential nutrients, including zinc, magnesium, and iron.
One of the most important functions of pumpkin seeds is to provide serotonin, which helps you feel calm, relaxed, and happy. In addition, pumpkin seeds are a good source of vitamin E, which protects your body from free radical damage. The antioxidants in these seeds also help to optimize eye health and prevent macular degeneration.
Orange juice
Increasing the intake of orange juice has been associated with several health benefits. It may help improve brain function, including memory and reaction time. It may also help fight heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. The fruit juice is a good source of vitamin C, which can protect your brain from age-related decline.
One of the main ingredients in orange juice is flavanones, which can stimulate neural signaling pathways in the hippocampus, a part of the brain that helps store information. It may also improve blood flow to the brain, which is known to be important for memory.