Hectic lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits  contribute more damage to your body than you realize. Before you dig into that Chinese takeout or your favorite burger think about the ill effects it has on your health, skin, and organs.

It can be particularly damaging for your brain, which is  the control center of your body. It needs quality,   nutritious food to function properly. If you don’t have the time to cook up an elaborate   meal then superfoods are here to save the  day! These can help improve your memory and concentration while keeping your brain healthy.

Are blueberries on the list? Your favorite dark chocolate? Delicious salmon? Keep watching to know  more about the superfoods that boost brain health!  1. Avocado Avocados and healthy eating go hand in hand.

You can put them in your salad, sandwich or  use it as a dip. This fruit, yes fruit, is   packed with several of the brain’s most valuable  nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin E and copper.   Having it fresh each day will improve  your problem solving skills and memory.

The presence of fatty acids  help in protecting brain cells.   These good fats also enable the brain’s ability  to control muscles and improve blood supply. Over   the past few years Avocado consumption  in America has shown exponential growth   and rightly so! It is delicious, healthy  and can be included in almost any dish!  How do you like your avocado? As a dip? On toast?  In salad? Tell us about it in the comments!  2.

Blueberries  Blueberries make everything better! From smoothies  to chocolates, Blueberries have been around for   a long time. Not only are these tiny berries  delicious, they’re packed with brain boosting   nutrients as well! Scientists have found they  have the capacity to increase brain activity,   boost blood flow and improve your memory.

They also prevent the risk of dementia later on,   keep brain cells healthy and improve mental  health conditions. Blueberries are one of the most   nutrient-dense berries, rich in fiber, vitamin  C, vitamin K, and manganese.

They are loaded with   water which makes them hydrating as well. The best  part? You can have them both fresh and frozen,   as long as they’re a part of your diet. 3. Turmeric  This ancient Indian herb’s medical usage dates  back centuries.

Turmeric not only gives curry   its yellow color, it’s loaded with compounds and  minerals that have anti inflammatory properties   along with being one of the best foods for  the brain. The active ingredient in turmeric,   curcumin, has a high concentration of antioxidants  that boosts brain power and keeps cells healthy.

Several disorders are linked to decreased levels  of hormones in the brain ranging from depression   to Alzheimer’s. Turmeric is an effective  solution in reversing age related brain disorders   and improving its function.

Go ahead and order  your turmeric latte or yellow milk and keep your   brain health in check. 4. Fatty fish  When was the last time you had fish for dinner?  When we talk about Brain boosting foods,   fatty fish tops the list.

Fishes like trout,  salmon and sardines fall under this category.   What makes them special is the natural  presence of essential Omega 3 fatty   acids along with good fats. This combination  helps in keeping your brain and heart healthy.

Fatty fish components and essential oils boosts  brain power, increases concentration and thinking   abilities. Swapping your regular meat consumption  with a lean protein like fish would be a better   choice for your brain, heart, skin and hair.

5. Nuts and Seeds  If you haven’t already added nuts and seeds to  your meals then it is time for you to do so.   Walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pecans and  pistachios are filled with good fats,   protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

These help  in preventing age related disease in the brain,   protecting the cells and reducing  the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.  The presence of one ingredient in particular,  Vitamin E, improves the capacity to think.

Sunflower seeds, chia seeds, almonds and  hazelnuts are great sources of this vitamin.   They are easy to incorporate in everyday meals,  salads and smoothies. A small amount of nuts and   seeds will make a huge difference in the long run.

6. Dark Chocolate  If you have recently cut back on sugar  then here is some relief for you!   Replacing your regular chocolate with dark  chocolate will make a world of difference.   The core component of cocoa contains strong  natural antioxidants that help blood flow to the   brain.

The presence of antioxidants is important  to keep the brain safe from various diseases like   a decline in thinking and reasoning abilities. There’s more than one benefit of dark chocolate.   It fights early signs of ageing and gets rid of  fatigue.

Having a piece will boost your mood,   help with concentration, focus and keep  you active. Dark chocolate is good news!  7. Oranges When you first think about oranges what   comes to mind? Vitamin C! Well, they offer more  than just that.

Eating an orange everyday will   keep you mentally and physically balanced. It will  also flush out toxins and smooth your metabolism..  Orange infused water is a simple step  towards protecting your brain health.

The minerals help protect you against depression  and memory loss. Not just that they also supply   small amounts of various vitamins and calcium. It  will keep your digestive tract healthy as well.

Overall it is a delicious nutrient rockstar! 8. Eggs  Eggs are a popular breakfast  component. Fry, boil or poach em’,   there are numerous ways for you to include this  staple in your meals if you already haven’t.

Did   you know that eggs help the brain fight against  the risk of developing Alzheimer’s? There are   certain vitamins and nutrients present that help  in regulating the normal functioning of the brain.

The yolk of an egg is the key element to boost  your memory power. You can pair them up with   other foods for the brain like chicken, fish  and leafy greens. Often taken for granted,   eggs, whole grains and vegetables create a  perfectly balanced meal for your mind and body.

If you want to know more about how eggs affect  your body? Then check out this video about what   happens to your body when you eat eggs. Now  back to foods that are awesome for your brain!  9.

Broccoli Broccoli is the ultimate brain   food. From children to adults everyone should eat  this amazing vegetable. The vitamins and nutrients   present boost brain health and slow the decline  of brain functioning during old age.

Some of you   may not like how it tastes, but you should put  your health and fitness over taste and go for it!  Broccoli contains powerful plant  based, natural, essential minerals   that help in the formation of brain cells  in kids and improve memory in older adults.

Having some everyday will also protect your brain  against the possible damage that comes with age.   Overall, whatever we were taught  as kids about broccoli is true.  10. Sage You may have seen people burning dry sage   at home to purify the air.

Sage can do more than  that. It’s a very flexible herb, traditionally it   is also used to reduce anxiety and depression.  But how is it a beneficial food for the brain?  The natural components present in sage  improve memory, attention span and learning   abilities.

Sage also enhances brain activity  and protects against potential brain diseases.   It can be included in your food or can  be used in the form of essential oil.  Other ways to keep your brain healthy When it comes to brain health,   making the right food choices is the first  step.

However, that alone is not enough.   Here are some additional things you should  do to keep your brain in the best condition:  1. Regular exercise Physical activity and   brain health are directly linked.

Doing at  least half an hour of physical activity,   daily improves the blood flow to your brain. This  enhances your memory, thinking and overall mood.   Indulging in some physical activity every day also  curbs diabetes and reduces the risk of stroke.

2. Sound sleep Sleeping is important for your body and organs to repair. However, when it comes to the brain you need deep, sound sleep.   Notice how you feel forgetful and irritable when you don’t sleep properly? It’s vital for enabling the growth of new brain cells.

Even if your body  is in a sleep state, your brain is in recovery mode. It also helps in removing toxins from your brain that get built up when you are awake.  3. Keep learning When it comes to mental function you need to keep your brain and body active.

This can be done by keeping yourself involved in new tasks.   The learning process keeps your memory strong.  Mental exercise activates and stimulates the brain cells to communicate better. This can be done by pursuing new hobbies, learning a new skill or volunteering and mentoring.

What are some other ways you keep your brain healthy? Is it working out for you? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below!