A Harvard nutritionist shares the No. 1 meals she eats every single day to maintain her mind ‘sharp and centered’

Consuming the appropriate “brain-boosting meals” can considerably lower your threat of growing neurological issues, enhance your psychological well being, and assist you to keep sharp and centered.

As a dietary psychiatrist, an enormous a part of my job is advising sufferers — particularly those that need to enhance their mind well being or try to get well from trauma — about meals they need to incorporate into their each day weight loss program.

And there are such a lot of choices, from leafy greens like spinach and kale to nuts like almonds and walnuts. However by way of my years of analysis, I’ve discovered one to be probably the most helpful on the subject of serving to your mind age nicely: blueberries.

The brain-boosting advantages of blueberries

I counsel including 1/2 to 1 cup per day. Frozen blueberries are simply nearly as good so long as they do not have added sugars, juice or preservatives.

Versatile, accessible and completely delicious, this is why I really like consuming blueberries each morning:

1. They’re excessive in flavonoids

Blueberries are filled with flavonoids, that are plant compounds that provide a wide range of well being advantages. Studies have found it can lower your risk for dementia.

People who eat a diet that includes at least half a serving per day of foods high in flavonoids may have a 20% lower risk of cognitive decline, according to a 2021 study that surveyed 49,493 women with an average age of 48, and 27,842 men with an average age of 51.

2. They are packed with antioxidants.

Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that gives these berries their characteristic color. Anthocyanins support a healthy stress tolerance and anti-inflammation throughout the body, particularly in the brain.

The antioxidant phytonutrients — that is, plant nutrients — found in blueberries also quell inflammation in the body and brain, and protect cells from damage.

3. They are rich in fiber.

I frequently speak about the profound connection between our gut and our brain — or what I call the “gut-brain romance.”

Like antioxidants, fiber decreases inflammation and feeds the “good bacteria” in the gut. Blueberries are rich in fiber, allowing them to improve our microbiome health and reduce inflammation in the gut and the brain.

4. They contain folate

Folate is an important vitamin that allows neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers within our brain that govern mood and cognition, to function properly.

Where a deficiency of folate may underlie some neurological conditions, improving folate status has beneficial effects on our mental health, brain health and cognitive age.

How to incorporate blueberries into your diet

I love carrying a small container of blueberries in my bag as a healthy snack for when I’m on the go. But if you want to get creative with your blueberry intake, here are two of my favorite recipes:

Watermelon and Blueberry Ice Pops

These simple homemade ice pops are soothing because of their cool, lightly sweet taste. Watermelons are also rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, B and C. These treats can be made with almond milk for a creamier texture or coconut milk for added flavor.

Servings: 6 to 8 pops
Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups seeded, chopped watermelon
1 cup almond or coconut milk (optional)
1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon lime zest
1/4 tablespoon honey
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Steps:

Puree the watermelon with the milk, if using, in a blender.
Stir in the lime juice, lime zest and honey.
Pour into stainless‐steel ice-pop molds until each mold is two‐thirds full, leaving room for the blueberries.

Chia Pudding Topped With Nuts and Blueberries

Chia pudding is a great way to start the day and doesn’t require any early-morning prep. Since it has to be set in the fridge overnight, you can prepare it the night before.

Servings: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

1/2 cup organic canned light coconut milk
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons chia seeds
A handful of blueberries and nuts

Steps:

Pour the coconut milk into a mason jar and stir in the honey, vanilla and cinnamon. Sprinkle the chia seeds on top.
Screw the lid of the mason jar on and shake well so that the seeds mix with the milk.
Chill overnight in the fridge.
Serve topped with blueberries and nuts.