Who doesn t want to become smarter? Who wants to look better or feel healthier?

Ma ny recent studies have shown how certain nutrients can positively affect the bra in, specifically in areas of the brain related to cognitive processing or feelin gs and emotions. Generally speaking, you want to follow a healthy diet for your brain that will lead to strong blood flow, maintenance of mental sharpness and r educe the risk of heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer s and dementia. We know that foods play a great role in our brain, as concluded in several studi es led by a phenomenal neuroscientist at UCLA, Gomez Pinilla. According to one study, the super fats your brain needs most are omega-3 fatty a cids. Your brain converts them into DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which enhances ne uronal communication and promotes neuronal growth. Food and nutrients represent fuel to our bodies the same way that when we use ou r car we need to fill the gas tank. Unfortunately, we generally take better care of our cars than our bodies. Why is that? We are hearing frequently that consum ing the right nutrients can help our health, aging process, and more efficient b rain-body functioning. With that said, I want to share with you ten foods you must keep in your diet to maintain brain health: 1. Apples: Eating an apple a day protects the brain from oxidative damage that c auses neurodegenerative diseases such Alzheimer s and Parkinson s. This magical nutr ient that acts as protection is quercetin, which is a phytonutrient. Asparagus: Asparagus is rich in folic acid, which is essential for the metabolis m of the long chain fatty acids in your brain. 3. Lean Beef: Lean beef is rich in vitamin B12, iron and zinc. These vitamins an d minerals have been shown to maintain a healthy neural tissue. 4. Blueberries and strawberries: Studies show that people who eat berries improv e their memory and their motor skills. In addition, their antioxidant properties can protect your brain from the oxidative process. 5. Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate offers incredible concentration powers. It is a very powerful antioxidant containing natural stimulants that increase the prod uction of feel-good endorphins. Trick: you need to find dark chocolate with less than 10 grams of sugar per serving for optimal benefits. 6. Salmon: Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which studies have shown to be e ssential for brain function. 7. Dried oregano: Certain spices have powerful antioxidant properties. In severa l studies, this powerful spice has shown to have 40 times more antioxidant prope rties than apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges, and 4 times more than that of blueberries or strawberries. 8. Walnuts: Walnuts are rich in protein and contain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin s E and B6 which all promote healthy neural tissue. 9. Whole grains: Whole grains deliver fiber and vitamin E that help promote card iovascular health, which helps improve the circulation to the brain. 10. Yogurt: Yogurt and other dairy foods are filled with protein and vitamin B t hat are essential to improve the communication between nerve cells.

Make sure that from now on you select and plan a great menu that include these b rain foods. Life is about choices and selecting the right nutrients can play a k ey role in your health.