Popeye the Sailor Man may just be a cartoon fictional character, but he was on the right track when he relied on a can of spinach to defeat his archenemy Brutus. Spinach has a lot to offer in brain-protective antioxidants along with vitamin K, folate, and lutein and is just one of the foods that offer us great advantages to increase our physical strength and boost our brainpower.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the wealth of other brain-boosting foods you can get a bite or two of when you’re studying for an exam or completing a school project—or when you’re simply in need of a snack in between meals. Let’s get started!

Walnuts

This isn’t hard to crack: any type of nut is a much healthier alternative than chips or any munchies, but walnuts are really the best choice if you need help in enhancing your brain muscles. Walnuts are rich in various nutrients that support brain health including vitamin E, omega-3 fats, copper, manganese, and also offer fiber for brain supportive gut bacteria. If walnuts are hard to find, almonds are a great substitute.

Avocado

Avocado has a reputation of being a helpful aid to maintain healthy skin and hair—just ask your older sister or cousin–but it’s also valuable when you’ve got your eye on an A for a school paper! It’s high in monounsaturated fats that protect brain cells. In addition, avocado oil can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels so you remain calm even in the midst of difficult or complex questions in your quiz.

Blueberries

Blueberries are not just good to put on top of cheesecakes, mind you! They also provide a long list of health benefits including for brain power! Blueberries contain anthocyanins, a group of plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that accumulate in the brain and aids in improving communication between brain cells and enhance memory.

Dark Chocolate

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll be glad to know that dark chocolate – although a bit bitter than regular milk chocolate — is brimming with brain-boosting compounds that can help you in your studies. The flavonoids in dark chocolate accumulate in the areas of the brain that focus on learning and memory, so eat away on that dark chocolate bar!

Eggs

You’ve probably learned that eggs are a good source of protein that helps keep your bones and muscles in good condition. But do you also know that they also contain several nutrients that are linked to brain health? Eggs are rich in vitamins B6 and B12, folate and choline, which in particular helps regulate memory.

Celery

You wouldn’t think that vegetables would be excluded in this list, right? After all, vegetables are almost synonymous with physical and mental nourishment. A good example is celery which is one of the richest sources of luteolin, a plant compound that is said to be a memory enhancer. A fun way to enjoy munching celery is to have your fave dip on hand.

Beets

Another unpopular veggie that you can’t ignore. Sure, they don’t look appetizing, but looks can be deceiving! Beet roots contain impressive concentrations of nitrates, which help open blood vessels in the body, increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which helps boost its function. Next time you want to score a 100 on your quiz, give beets a try.

SOURCES:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-brain-foods

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jennifercohen/2015/02/05/12-best-foods-to-boost-brain-power/

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-21756/20-foods-to-naturally-increase-your-brain-power.html