Walnuts
People who ate a small handful every day improved their working memory by 19 percent, according to a Spanish study. Polyphenols in walnuts are thought to reduce improve communication between neurons.
Coffee
A recent British study found that 20 to 30 milligrams of caffeine can boost brainpower—that’s less than a cup of coffee.
Fish
They’re packed with omega-3s—and people with the lowest levels of omega-3 fatty acid in their blood cells had smaller brains compared to those with high levels, according to a recent study in Neurology.
Spinach
Filled with magnesium, these greens can help dilate blood vessels, boosting blood flow throughout the body and brain, according to Japanese researchers.
Olive Oil
Fatty acids and polyphenols help to reduce inflammation in your joints and cells.
Flaxseed
They may be small, but they’re big in terms of protein and fiber. Add them to yogurt or cereal to give your brain a boost.
Mussels
These bad boys have some of the highest levels of the vitamin B12 which helps insulate your brain cells—important as you age.
Did you know? Mussels house 27 grams of protein in a quarter-pound serving.
Dark Chocolate
Not a whole bar—just a few ounces of cocoa can help you concentrate improving blood flow to the brain. Stick with as pure as you can get.
Greek Yogurt
t’s loaded with calcium, which when in low supply can lead to anxiety, irritability, and slow thinking—all brain functions.
Asparagus
Research shows that almost half of people with depression have low folate levels. Asparagus is packed with the nutrient.
Peppermint
Gum or teas, the smell has been associated with an increase in alertness and memory functioning by acting as a stimulant, researchers believe.
Oranges
Your body can’t make vitamin C—and a team of Oregon-based researchers recently found that the retina cells—many of which are the same type your brain is filled with—could burn out when denied C.
Berries
Flavonoids in berries may cut your risk for Parkinson’s disease because of their anti-inflammatory powers, research suggests.