8 Herbs to Support Mental Clarity and Cognitive Function
Tulsi. When it comes to herbs that assist in mental clarity, the most reliable herb in the Ayurvedic plant cabinet is Tulsi — also known as Holy Basil, Queen of the Herbs. ...
Certain fruits such as oranges, bell peppers, guava, kiwi, tomatoes, and strawberries, contain high amounts of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps prevent brain cells from becoming damaged and supports overall brain health. In fact, a study found that vitamin C can potentially prevent Alzheimer's.
Research has indicated that it may play a role in improving neurological cell function and potentially preventing degenerative brain diseases. Teas with high levels of EGCG include green, white and purple teas.
A balanced diet, especially one rich in fruits and vegetables, is important for brain health. Supplements like ginkgo biloba may also help improve concentration and memory.
1. Fatty fish. When people talk about brain foods, fatty fish is often at the top of the list. This type of fish includes salmon, trout, albacore tuna, herring, and sardines, all of which are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids ( 1 ).
Several medicinal plants have been used for decades in different cultures to improve memory such as Valeriana officinalis, Punica granatum L., Salvia officinalis, Myristica fragrans Bacopa monnieri Linn, Centella asiatica Linn and Evolvulus alsinoides Linn.
The best vitamin for the brain, which you can also obtain from eating fish, is omega-3 fatty acids. They have been found to improve cognition and recovery of neurons after brain injury. Look for these in foods like flaxseed, salmon, soybeans, walnuts, and chia seeds.
Though tea is lower in caffeine, it's rich in L-theanine, a powerful antioxidant that also stimulates your brain ( 49 , 50 ). Unlike caffeine, L-theanine may provide anti-stress effects by increasing your brain's alpha waves, which help you calm down and relax ( 51 ).
Vitamin D can improve brain health, reducing symptoms of brain fog. The brain treats vitamin D as an antioxidant, leading to improved cognitive function, more melatonin production, and hormone control.
Nuts like almonds, pistachios and macadamias each bring something special to the table. Almonds help improve memory, pistachio nut oils help preserve fatty acids and prevent inflammation, and macadamias contribute to normal brain function.
Other B vitamins including vitamins B1, B3 and choline play an important part in regulating normal brain function. Choline, which is rich in egg yolk, is essential for the memory-boosting brain chemical, acetylcholine. Opt for B-rich foods like eggs, chicken, fish, leafy greens and dairy.
Getting enough vitamin B12 may give you more energy, improve memory, and make learning new things easier. It also has been shown to help improve mood and lessen depressive symptoms.
They found that study participants who routinely drank black, green or oolong tea brewed directly from tea leaves were 50 percent less likely to experience cognitive decline and were at a decreased risk for developing Alzheimer's. “Our findings have important implications for dementia prevention,” said Dr.
