What fruit is good for brain

As a dietitian, I always tell people to think of the brain as the mastermind behind almost everything — our thoughts, memory, focus, movements, breathing, heartbeat — and that certain foods can help make it stronger, sharper and smarter.

Our brain and diet also play a key role in longevity. According to the National Institute on Aging, what we eat can directly impact inflammation and oxidative stress in our bodies — both of which can affect our risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

I spoke with Dr. Uma Naidoo, a nutritional psychiatrist, faculty member at Harvard Medical School and author of "This Is Your Brain on Food," about what she eats to sharpen her memory, focus and overall brain health:

Chopped dark chocolate

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"Extra dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and cacao flavanols that help preserve the health of brain cells," Naidoo tells CNBC Make It. "It also contains fiber to help reduce brain inflammation and prevent cognitive decline."

A 2020 study looked at how dark chocolate and white chocolate can affect the memory of healthy young adults. Participants who were given dark chocolate had better verbal memory performances two hours after consuming the chocolate, compared to the group that received white chocolate.

Researchers suggested this was due to the higher flavonoid content of the dark chocolate, "which can acutely improve cognitive function in humans."

Extra dark chocolate should be at least 70% cacao or greater, according to Naidoo.

Just don't go overboard with the serving sizes, she says: "One meta-analysis suggests that the optimal amount of dark chocolate consumption for the health of our blood vessels — including the ones that supply blood to the brain — is about 45 grams per week."

Fresh berries

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"Berries are packed with antioxidants, phytonutrients, fiber, vitamins and minerals," says Naidoo. "These nutrients help retain memory, and the fiber content helps feed microbes in the gut to reduce brain inflammation."

She suggests choosing from an assortment of red, blue and black-colored berries. Strawberries, for example, are rich in flavonoids and may help slow down cognitive decline; blueberries contain different types of flavonoids linked with preventing oxidative stress; and blackberries are great sources of antioxidants, which help brain cell health.

"Eating a variety of colorful berries can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and help fend off neurodegenerative diseases like dementia," says Naidoo.

She typically goes for a half or single cup in her daily serving.

The bright yellow-orange root is not only a staple in Indian cooking, but it contains a magical compound called curcumin.

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One of the major ingredients in curry powder, turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which is the secret behind its brain-boosting benefits.

"Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory substance," says Naidoo. "Consuming it, studies have found, can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and lower cognitive decline with age."

Turmeric is good solo, but the benefits can be stronger when combined with black pepper. Naidoo always adds "a pinch of black pepper in turmeric because piperine — the compound in black pepper — activates the curcumin and increases the bioavailability to the brain and the body."

You can incorporate turmeric and black pepper into your diet by adding it to a hearty rice dish, a side of potatoes, a golden milk latte or some oatmeal.

Plate of spinach

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"Leafy greens are a staple in brain-healthy diets because they contain folate, which is a B vitamin that supports neurodevelopment and neurotransmitter function," explains Naidoo. "Folate deficiency has been tied to increased symptoms of depression as well as cognitive aging."

Naidoo says her favorite leafy greens include:

• Arugula
• Dandelion greens
• Spinach
• Swiss chard
• Watercress

Not a salad fan? You can also enjoy them as creative ingredients in your favorite dishes, like pasta, burritos or as a pizza topping.

Yogurt bowl

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Fermentation involves adding foods to a culture of microorganisms that then feed on the sugars in the food. This creates other products, such as lactic acid, that can generate gut-friendly bacteria.

"We have what's called a gut-brain connection," says Naidoo. "So when we eat fermented foods and boost our gut health, we may also improve our cognitive function."

She likes to eat homemade kimchi as a snack with celery sticks, or combine it with salads for extra texture and flavor. Some other fermented foods Naidoo recommends:

• Sauerkraut
• Miso
• Kombucha
• Kefir
• Yogurt

However, large amounts of fermented foods can make you bloated. "If you feel uncomfortable, cut back on your intake until your gut and body adjust," Naidoo advises.

You'll also want to double-check the food labels to ensure that what you're buying is actually fermented. Typically, you'll see a label that mentions "live active cultures."

Lauren Armstrong is a dietitian and nutrition coach. She was also a nutritionist for The Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program. Lauren received her bachelor's degree in dietetics from Western Michigan University and has written for several publications, including Livestrong and HealthDay.

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The brain is a very important organ. It's the control center of your body and allows you to move, think, feel, breathe and more. Because the brain has such a big job, it's imperative that we provide it with an abundance of fuel and nutrients to help it function properly and stay healthy. The foods we eat play a huge role in the structure and health of our brains. Research shows that foods rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, flavanols, polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids can help protect your brain. They can help to improve memory, concentration and overall brain health.

Additionally, research has shown that following the MIND diet, a mashup of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet that promotes eating specific brain-healthy foods, can help reduce your risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Many of the foods we've included here are also on the MIND diet's list of best brain foods. Here are six things you should be eating for better brain health.

An illustration of a human head with a hatch open showing a brain made of flowers

Leafy greens, such as kale and spinach, are packed with nutrients, including vitamin K, beta carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), folate and vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the cells from free radical damage and has been linked to preventing cognitive decline in the aging population. Vitamin K and beta carotene have also been linked to improving brain health by helping to prevent memory loss and improve cognition. Increasing your intake of leafy greens doesn't have to be hard. You can try adding a handful of greens when preparing a smoothie or adding a serving of greens to your favorite casserole recipe.

Are you a fan of lamb? If so, you may be surprised to know that lamb has been linked to benefits such as long-term cognition. According to a recent study, weekly consumption of lamb, but not other red meats, was associated with improved long-term cognition. The 10-year study noted improvements in fluid intelligence scores in individuals who consumed certain foods, including lamb. Lamb is produced in every state in the U.S. and available year-round, which makes it easy to add it to your diet. Try adding lamb to your favorite stew recipe or cooking it on the grill.

Eggs are possibly the most popular breakfast food—and for good reason. They are inexpensive and offer a host of health benefits, especially when it comes to brain health. Did you know that regular consumption of eggs has been associated with improved cognitive performance in adults? Eggs are one of the best food sources of choline. Choline has been linked to reducing inflammation and promoting brain function, like maintaining memory and communications between brain cells. Even though eggs are commonly served at breakfast, you can enjoy them at any meal. Try using eggs to make a savory dinner quiche, or fabulous creamy custard for dessert.

Salmon is commonly known as a great source of protein, but did you know that it was also great for brain health? Fatty fish like salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are critical for brain development and function. In addition to improved brain health, these fatty acids have been associated with lowering the risk of heart disease and arthritis. Salmon can be prepared in a variety of ways. It can be seared and paired with hearty serving of vegetables or added to your favorite pasta dish. Our five-star Walnut-Rosemary Crusted Salmon will help boost your omega-3 intake in a delicious way.

Related: Is Smoked Salmon Healthy? Here's What a Dietitian Says

While all berries are beneficial for brain health, blueberries are at the top of the list. They contribute essential nutrients to the body, including vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese and phytonutrients. These nutrients help to stimulate the flow of blood and oxygen in the brain, resulting in improved concentration. Evidence suggests that eating a diet containing a variety of vegetables and fruits, such as blueberries, is associated with lower risk of age-related cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. There are many ways to enjoy this tasty fruit—try adding a handful to your smoothie recipe or pureeing a few berries to make a delicious blueberry chia jam.

Nuts are a great addition to any diet regimen, but the one that contributes most to brain health is walnuts. When compared to other nuts, walnuts offer twice as many antioxidants. They contain an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is a plant-based omega-3 essential fatty acid that helps to counteract cognitive decline by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress. Inflammation and oxidative stress have been linked to Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Evidence suggests that eating about 1 to 2 ounces of walnuts per day can improve cognitive function. Try adding a serving of walnuts to a hearty salad or pairing them with a variety of roasted vegetables.

The foods you eat play an important role in brain health. You can help to improve your brain health, memory and alertness by including a variety of nutritious foods such as leafy greens, lamb, eggs, salmon, blueberries and walnuts in your daily diet. These foods may also help to reduce the risk of age-related neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer's.