Brain Healthy Recipes

Along with many other types of cold water fish like salmon, sardines, and trout, tuna is an excellent source of a type of Omega-3 fatty acid called DHA. DHA has been shown to be neuroprotective from the womb to old age. In addition to brain benefits, DHA intake is also correlated with better cardiovascular health.

Type: Main Dishes

Olive oil is rich in polyphenols, a group of chemicals that may protect against Alzheimer's.

Type: Salads and Sides

Sesame seeds contain lipophilic antioxidants, which may prevent age-related diseases. Adding sesame seeds and other small but high-impact foods (like flaxseed and turmeric) to your dishes is a simple, tasty way to put a little brain boost in every bite.

Type: Appetizer

Split peas and other legumes are rich in folic acid, which has been shown to improve verbal and memory performance, and may delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Spinach and garlic have brain benefits as well.

Type: Salads and Sides

Omega 3 fatty acids—found in coldwater fish like trout—have multiple health benefits. In addition to showing promise for the prevention of psychotic disorders and cognitive impairments, they may help prevent certain cancers and cardiovascular disease.

While the jury is still out on açaí's benefits for the brain, early studies in mice show it might help stave off certain forms of dementia. More studies are in progress.

Type:  Dessert

Asparagus is filled with vitamins A, C, and folic acid, all of which may play a role in a healthy brain just as they do in a healthy body.

Type:  Salads and Sides

Chicken offers multiple nutrients with evidence for brain health—including choline, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.

Type:   Main Course 

Not surprisingly, eggs have something in common with chicken: high choline content. Choline is associated with long-term memory development.

Type:  Main Course

Spinach and its leafy green relatives are true superfoods, packing in almost 400% of the recommended daily value of vitamin A in just 1 cup—which is good for your brain and your body.

Type:  Salads and Sides

Asparagus is full of vitamin A, which contributes to adult brain plasticity—helping you keep your brain learning and growing as you age.

Type: Main Course

Fiber-rich oats provide a steady supply of energy to the brain, which may improve learning. They are also rich in selenium, an antioxidant that has been shown to have protective effects in a variety of brain disorders and age-related cognitive problems.

Type:  Snacks

Bananas may not be a major brain food, but they do offer a significant dose of vitamins B6 and C—both of which may promote better brain health. Plus, the chocolate and almonds in this milkshake add an extra brain boost!

Type:  Dessert

Garbanzo beans and other legumes are rich in folic acid—great for the developing brain. Pregnant women should make sure to get an adequate supply of folic acid to ensure good brain health for their babies.

Type:  Main Course

Artichokes are rich in luteolin derivatives, a type of antioxidant flavonoid which has been shown to have positive effects on a wide variety of cognitive issues. Fun fact: the antioxidant value of an artichoke actually increases when the artichoke is fried! Of course, so do the calories…

Type:  Appetizer

Flavanols, the compounds in dark chocolate that have been associated with cognitive health, are also found in other delicious treats: red wine and coffee are good sources, too.

Type:  Dessert

Protein-rich quinoa contains all of the essential amino acids, especially lysine, which may play a key role in regulating stress and anxiety.

Type: Salads and Sides