POOR NUTRITION is one of the leading risk factors for chronic disease.  This means that what you choose to eat has the potential to increase or decrease your risk of developing Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia, and overall cognitive decline.  So what are some of the right foods to promote healthy brain function that can protect you from brain damaging inflammation, look after the gut for a healthier brain, reduce the risk of diabetes, give your brain the nutrients it needs to thrive and improve cognitive function and mental health?  These are a few of the nutrient-rich brain foods you can buy in most of our supermarkets.  

WILD CAUGHT SALMON is rich in healthy fats called omega-3 fatty acids and this includes fats that help protect your brain by reducing inflammation.
Omega-3 fatty acids have also been associated with decreased risk of depression and cognitive impairment.
Vitamin B12 is another essential nutrient found in wild caught salmon. It is thought to  play a fundamental role in brain function, helping prevent neurological and developmental disorders, mood disorders and dementias including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
Salmon also contains selenium, antioxidants, and potassium, making this fatty fish even better for brain health. 
BLUEBERRIES are often praised for their powerful antioxidants. These unique antioxidants often referred to as flavonoids, have been shown to reduce the risk of cognitive decline by preventing age-related degenerative processes in the brain.  Research also indicates that increasing your intake of blueberries may have beneficial effects on learning and memory.  Other studies have shown that eating blueberries can even reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, which is known to be a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
LEAFY GREEN VEGETABLES are among the most nutrient dense foods on the planet, packed full of brain-healthy vitamins and minerals. In addition, vegetables like cabbage, kale, and broccoli protect gut health by reducing inflammation in the bowel lining.  Inflammation is enemy #1 when it comes to brain health. This means it is crucial to reduce inflammation in order to keep your brain working optimally. Leafy vegetables also contain phytonutrients, which have a variety of health-promoting effects. They have been shown to protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease, helps with detoxification and decreases inflammation throughout the body. 
AVOCADOS are a powerful player in the world of cognitive health.  Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to help with healthy blood flow throughout the body and to the brain.  
FERMENTED FOODS such as kimchi, kefir, and sauerkraut are full of key enzymes and probiotics that are important for digestion and gut health.  These fermented foods, containing billions of probiotic bacteria, may help to  improve cognition, lead to clearer thinking, and improve mood.  Studies show that increased consumption of fermented food correlates with significant improvements in depression and anxiety.  Eating fermented foods not only appears to restore good gut bacteria and benefit your mental health, it may also improve immune function. Finally, the fermentation process itself  may actually increase the vitamin content of these foods.  
PREBIOTIC FOODS are one of the most underrated brain foods. These fibre rich foods act as food for your good gut bacteria, which in turn play a major role in brain health. That means more energy to fuel your brain! They are actually converted into short chain fatty acids by your gut bacteria, serving as a source of energy that ultimately fuels your brain while reducing inflammation.   Prebiotic foods include chicory root, Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, and onions. These each act as anti-inflammatory agents, promoting good gut health, supporting digestion and aiding in weight loss.  
NUTS are a brain-boosting powerhouse. These fantastic snacks contain an abundance of brain-healthy fat and protein. Nuts have been shown to protect brain health, improve cognitive performance in adults, and prevent age-related cognitive decline.  Additionally, they have been shown to provide a variety of other benefits. Almonds, for example, have also been shown to lower blood sugar levels by as much as 30%, as well as reduce inflammation in people with type 2 diabetes, a key risk factor for Alzheimer’s.