A Harvard nutritionist and a neuroscientist agree this is the No. 1 food for a healthy brain (2024)

What you eat can, and does, impact the function of your brain, including your ability to ward off Alzheimer's disease and there are certain foods — like sunflower seeds and whole grains — that provide greater benefits.

There is one food in particular that Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard nutritionist, and Lisa Genova, a Harvard-trained neuroscientist, say is the key to a healthy brain: Green leafy vegetables.

DON'T MISS: 5 doctors and nutritionists share the foods they eat every day for brain health, longevity and overall wellness

The No. 1 food for a healthy brain: Green leafy vegetables

Across the board, experts agree that eating leafy greens is essential for overall health, especially for your brain.

Some of the green leafy vegetables that you can add to your meals are:

  • Kale
  • Spinach
  • Lettuces
  • Cabbage
  • Swiss chard
  • Bok choy
  • Mustard greens

3 reasons experts say a diet rich in leafy greens is good for your brain

1. They're rich in B vitamins

Often, conditions like depression and dementia are associated with a vitamin B deficiency, according to a study from the Wayne State University School of Medicine.

Green leafy vegetables are a wonderful source of vitamin B9, Naidoo told CNBC Make It in 2022. The vitamin, also known as folate, is "a key vitamin for supporting brain and neurological health, optimal neurotransmitter function, and balanced psychological health," she added.

Leafy greens are the first type of food that Naidoo suggests for her patients who are looking to boost their mood.

2. They're high in brain-boosting nutrients

Green leafy vegetables are also full of what Genova calls "brain-boosting nutrients" including folate, lutein and beta-carotene.

Lutein has been linked to an improvement in brain function and brain structure for older adults. And a systematic review found that taking beta-carotene supplements can boost "verbal and cognitive memory."

3. They're full of fiber

Increasing intake of dietary fiber was associated with a lower chance of developing depression, astudypublished in "Complementary Therapies in Medicine" in 2021 found.

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Naidoo prefers to recommend getting more fiber through your diet, specifically plant-based foods. And leafy greens just so happen to be fiber-dense.

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A Harvard nutritionist and a neuroscientist agree this is the No. 1 food for a healthy brain (1)

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What a brain expert eats in a day to boost memory and stay sharp

A Harvard nutritionist and a neuroscientist agree this is the No. 1 food for a healthy brain (2024)

FAQs

A Harvard nutritionist and a neuroscientist agree this is the No. 1 food for a healthy brain? ›

There is one food in particular that Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard nutritionist, and Lisa Genova, a Harvard-trained neuroscientist, say is the key to a healthy brain: Green leafy vegetables.

What is the number one food for brain health? ›

Research shows that the best brain foods are the same ones that protect your heart and blood vessels, including the following: Green, leafy vegetables. Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, collards, and broccoli are rich in brain-healthy nutrients like vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta carotene.

What is the number one food that fights dementia? ›

There's no single or “best” food to fight dementia. Eating patterns that include several anti-inflammatory foods may help to prevent or slow dementia. These include leafy greens, nuts, berries, whole grains, beans, and olive oil.

What is the number one nutrition for the brain? ›

Omega-3 fatty acids are the No. 1 nutrient for a healthy brain. Omega-3s are found in wild-caught fatty fish like anchovies, sardines, and salmon. Wild Sockeye salmon in particular contains levels of EPA and DHA that are beneficial to our brain's health.

What is the #1 healthiest food? ›

Top 10 Foods for Health
  1. Water. Drink 8 to 12 cups of water daily.
  2. Dark green vegetables. Eat dark green vegetables at least three to four times a week. ...
  3. Whole grains. Eat whole grains sat least two or three times daily. ...
  4. Beans and lentils. Try to eat a bean-based meal at least once a week. ...
  5. Fish. ...
  6. Berries. ...
  7. Winter squash. ...
  8. Soy.

What are the 5 fat burning super foods? ›

Examples include avocados, green tea, chia seeds, berries, broccoli, and lean proteins like chicken and fish. Nuts, spinach, Greek yogurt, and quinoa also aid weight loss. These foods boost metabolism, control hunger, and effectively shed excess pounds.

What is the #1 superfood? ›

Green leafy vegetables: Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and beet greens are high in vitamins, magnesium, and potassium. They help maintain a healthy digestive tract. Berries: Berries are high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

What is the #1 worst eating habit for memory loss? ›

6 WORST HABITS THAT DAMAGE OUR BRAIN

Poo Diet: Eating a diet that is high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats can damage your brain and impair your memory. Instead, focus on eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

What drink improves memory? ›

Drinks that help strengthen the brain
  • Coffee. Are you the type of person who needs to drink coffee to stay awake all morning? ...
  • Green tea. ...
  • Berries juice. ...
  • Kombucha tea. ...
  • Green vegetable smoothie. ...
  • Turmeric tea. ...
  • Beetroot juice. ...
  • Ginseng Tea.

What are the three super foods for brain health? ›

Try these top “brain foods” for potential memory-boosting powers.
  • Nuts and Seeds. Nuts such as walnuts, almonds and peanuts as well as sunflower and pumpkin seeds, are brain foods high in protein and omega fatty acids. ...
  • Salmon. ...
  • Beans. ...
  • Blueberries. ...
  • Dark and leafy greens. ...
  • Lean Red Meat. ...
  • Avocados. ...
  • Tomatoes.

What is the best vitamin to heal the brain? ›

B vitamins like B6, B12, and B9 (folic acid) all play a role in brain health.

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