9 Recipes to Boost Your Brain

People are always thinking about how to work out their legs, backs, arms and abs to obtain the ideal figure. Stretching and strengthening these muscles are the cornerstone to a healthy body, but we don't always think about how to strengthen our most valuable organ: our brains. Keeping up with our mental acuity can actually help people live longer, as the brain can actually continue to rebuild itself for the duration of life. Mind games and seeking new knowledge are certainly ways to keep your brain sharp, but I have a much more delicious way to help strengthen your brain. With food.
Of course I'm not talking about any food. Sure, food feeds the soul, but the right kinds of foods can actually keep your grey matter happy. And you don't have to go to health food stores to find any of these items--they are found right in your fridge or pantry.
1. Whole Grains: The brain needs a slow, steady stream of energy and whole grains (rather than high-glucose white flours) do just that. So, brown grains in your cereal, bread, and pasta are better than white. Got that? Brown is better than white.
RECIPE: QUINOA & GREENS
2. Pumpkin Seeds: High in zinc, which is good for enhancing memory and thinking skills. It's a time to think beyond the orange exterior and go for the good stuff inside.
RECIPE: COLESLAW WITH PUMPKIN SEED VINAIGRETTE
3. Omega-3 Rich Fish: The EPA and DHA oils found in fish like salmon, mackerel, trout, sardines, anchovies, and herring are great for healthy brain activity and can help reduce memory loss. The reason? These fish produce the EPA and DHA fats in a ready-made form, which are easily absorbed into your body.
RECIPE: TROUT EN PAPILLOTE
4. Blueberries: The superfood of champions, a good dose of these berries aid in delaying short term memory loss.
RECIPE: BLUEBERRY AND CORN CLAFOUTIS
5. Lingonberries: This was a lay-up for me. Swedes put lingonberries on anything and everything and with its high potency of Vitamin C, it increases mental agility.
RECIPE: BACON LINGONBERRY GOUGERES
6. Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, tomatoes get a gold star for their ability to fight free radical damage to cells that can lead to dementia.
RECIPE: ROASTED TOMATO SOUP
7. Broccoli: This obvious source of Vitamin K enhances brain power and cognitive function. And it's delicious.
RECIPE: ASPARAGUS AND BROCCOLI RABE POLENTA

8. Sage: Long reputed for its ability to improve memory, use sage an an essential oil, fresh or fried in a multitude of ways.
RECIPE: SAGE PORK CHOPS WITH APPLE SAUCE
9. Nuts: Another great superfood, nuts and their Vitamin E powerhouse can stave off cognitive decline. The New York Times recently did a great piece on snacking on nuts to help achieve a longer and healthier life.
RECIPE: RAVIOLI WITH APPLES AND WALNUTS


Culled from: LinkedIn ( Marcus Samuelsson- Chef and Author at Marcus Samuelsson Group)