As we near the completion of the alphabet, there are still more nutritious mind-boosting foods to savor as they make their way from your lips to your brain, keeping you focused and at your peak all day long. After learning the benefits of salmon, turmeric, and udon, it's time to discover the "V, W, and X" foods that are just as great for the mind as they are the appetite.
No matter your culinary tastes and dietary preferences or restrictions, there is always something you can consume to fuel your body and take your brain to the next level. See what veggies like broccoli, walnuts, and xocolatl (you'll love it, don't worry!) can do for your brain.
It's time to whet your appetite and prep your mind to be blown!
Veggies (Like Broccoli)
Veggies are so important for the body and brain, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli are recommended for their mind-boosting properties.
As per Dr. Axe, "Thanks to its high levels of vitamin K and choline, (broccoli) will help keep your memory sharp." And mindbodygreen adds that broccoli is, "high in sulfurophane, a chemical that aids in detoxification, reduction of inflammation, and control of damaging free radicals."
Get your daily dose of broccoli by chopping into fresh salads, steaming as a healthy side dish, tossing into pastas, or dipping into light dressings and smooth hummus. The crunch-factor and filling properties of broccoli will keep you satisfied and sharp!
Walnuts
Nuts of all sorts have wonderful brain-boosting elements, and walnuts make the grade too. According to mindbodygreen, walnuts are, "rich in a variety of nutrients to support brain health including vitamin E, omega-3 fats, copper, and manganese."
Dr. Axe also gives the thumbs up to walnuts since they "improve mental alertness and can help ward off Alzheimer's."
Munch on a handful of walnuts as a snack, mix into trail mix, cereal, or oatmeal, add into salads, or stir into yogurt. Just get some walnut goodness in your belly and you'll go nuts over the effect they have on your mind!
Xocolatl
Via cooking.allwomenstalk.com
Never heard of xocolatl? That's understandable, but once you know how yummy it is and the wonders it does for the mind, you'll wish you'd heard of it sooner. Xocolatl is basically Mexican chocolate derived from cacao beans. It is made into a hot chocolate of sorts, since, as per Casa de Xocolatl, "Xocolatl comes from the Aztec language Nahuatl , meaning 'bitter water'." It is usually prepared by being melted into warm milk to create a delicious and all-natural beverage.
According to Dr. Axe, "Chocolate is chockfull of flavonols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They can also help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to both the brain and heart."
You can find this chocolate at specialty and health stores to make your own blend. Drink up to a brain-boosting beverage that will tantalize your taste buds and make your mind work wonders.
The A-Z finale is coming soon, so stay tuned for the rest of our mind-boosting food choices!
