Found on http://www.shape.com/print/4385 on 12/30/11 By Matthew Kadey, MS, RD
Brain Food #1: Beets
Nosh on this root vegetable to boost brain power. Scientists at Wake Forest University determined that natural nitrates in beets can increase blood flow to the brain, thereby improving mental performance. The tastiest way to eat beets? Roasted and then drizzled with honey dressing like this easy-to-make healthy side dish.
Brain Food #2: Sage
You really are what you eat! A study published in Pharmacological Biochemical Behavior found that young adults who took sage-oil extract (50 micro liters) before cognitive tests performed better than those given a placebo. Sage contains compounds that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory. Use this herb in dishes like this low calorie recipe.
Brain Food #3: Yerba Mate
Brew up a mug of yerba mate to beat the afternoon slump. Brazilian scientists found that yerba mate, herbal tea gleaned from a South American plant, can enhance short-term brain power. This is likely due to stimulants like caffeine. See the latest science on the surprising up—and downsides of caffeine.
Brain Food #4: Oats
The primary fuel for your brain is glucose, which comes from carbohydrates such as those abundant in oats. Since your body breaks down the carbs in whole-grain oats very slowly, they help keep you sharp for several hours. Plus, with tasty new breakfast recipes like these, you'll never get bored with a bowl of oatmeal again!
Brain Food #65: Lentils
Adding lentils to salads and soups should be a no brainer. This legume is brimming with folate, a B vitamin shown to help boost brain power. Folate also plays a role in decreasing levels of amino acids that can impair brain functioning. So it's no secret why lentils madethis list of the 12 best powerfoods for women!
Brain Food #6: Ground Flaxseed
Flax is the best source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)—a healthy fat that improves the workings of the cerebral cortex, the area of the brain that processes sensory information like touch and taste. To meet your daily quota, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flaxseed on salads or mix it into a smoothie. Try this tasty blueberry-flaxseed shake recipe from lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls Nicole Scherzinger.
Brain Food #7: Walnuts
When crunch time comes along, pop a handful of walnuts. Scientists at Tufts University in Boston found that a diet rich in walnuts may improve mental performance. A synergy between the specific type of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids in this nut might be at work here to boost brain power. See four other nuts that made our list of the five healthiest nuts for women.
Brain Food #8: Spinach and Other Vegetables
Harvard Medical School researchers found that women who ate the most vegetables—especially green leafy vegetables (spinach and romaine lettuce) and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli and cauliflower)—experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline than women who ate the least vegetables. Spice up boring sides with these 5 new ways to cook vegetables.