6 Delicious Foods That Will Clear the Fog and Boost Brain Power

Cherries energize cranial nerves

We hear a lot about the painkilling perks of tart cherries, but sweet cherries — which are in season right now— contain three times more brain-energizing compounds (anthocyanins) than the ones with pucker power. No wonder Columbia University researchers say eating 1 cup of sweet cherries daily provides a 52 percent boost in concentration and memory — often in just 48 hours.

Avocados enhance neural communication

Great news from British researchers: Savoring one medium avocado every day can single-handedly cut your risk of brain fog and memory lapses by 58 percent, plus help your brain function as if it’s 10 years younger. Turns out, these creamy treats are brimming with two nutrients (pantothenic acid and vitamin K) that are study-proven to heighten communication between brain cells.

Wine relaxes brain arteries

It may seem indulgent, but sipping 4 to 6 oz. of wine (red or white) daily can help you feel more clearheaded and focused on even your busiest days — plus cut your risk of Alzheimer’s disease by as much as 55 percent. That’s the word from French researchers, who say wine’s unique blend of alcohol and plant compounds (called phenolics) nourish hardworking neurons by improving the flow of nutrient-rich blood to the brain.

Asparagus heals injured neurons

Nibbling on six yummy asparagus spears daily could cut your risk of memory lapses and premature brain aging in half, plus help your mind function as if it’s six years younger, Brazilian scientists report. Thanks goes to saponins and oxylipins, compounds that kick-start the repair of aging neurons.

Chicken activates the focus hormone

If your mind won’t stop wandering, enjoying a 4-oz. serving of your favorite chicken dish could sharpen your focus fast. According to Canadian researchers, poultry contains all of the amino acids your nervous system needs to make dopamine — a brain energizer that can heighten alertness and focus for up to three hours.

Walnuts speed mental processing

These crunchy gems are packed with omega-3 fats, copper and manganese, nutrients that boost your brain’s production of a key neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) that neurons use to communicate quickly with each other. Munch on a 1/3-cup serving daily, and Canadian researchers say you’ll enhance your concentration, short-term memory and multitasking abilities by 45 percent!

This story originally appeared in our print magazine.