Brain games, Part II: 13 brain-fueling foods

In last week’s “Brain Games” article, the importance of keeping our brains young and healthy was discussed. Here are tips six through ten, continuing on with ways in which you can remain mentally active:
No. 6: Eat right
Antioxidants found in berries, leafy greens, tomatoes, carrots and grapes help prevent cholesterol from clogging arteries and reducing healthy blood flow to the brain. Also include two six-ounce servings of fish, walnuts or flaxseed oil, all rich in omega-3 fatty acids, into your weekly diet.

No. 7: Chew gum
A new study led by researchers at the University of Northumbria finds that chewing a piece of gum “has a positive effect on thinking, memory and other cognitive functions.” This is attributed to a slight heart rate increase and boosted oxygen delivery to the brain.

No. 8: Drink a cup of tea
As a stand-in for coffee, tea helps improve concentration and memory -- especially a peppermint or lemon flavor, or if it is from the green or black tea family.

No. 9: Aromatize your life
Increase your productivity by sniffing scents like lemon, peppermint, or lavender.

No. 10: Switch hands
While brushing your teeth, stirring your food, or writing down a quick reminder on your to-do list, try using your non-dominant hand in order to keep those brain cell circuits from becoming stagnant.

The answer to last week’s Brain Game is: I understand you undertake to overthrow my understanding. A second brain game can be found at the end of this article, its answer in the issue to follow.

As first touched on at the beginning of this article, eating right is a foolproof way to preserve your mental youth. Cassie Shortsleeve, a writer for Men’s Health, shares her list of “the thirteen best foods for your brain,” stating that they help improve memory, alertness, blood flow, concentration, the reduction of inflammation and overall brain power and functioning:
Walnuts
Coffee
Fish
Spinach
Olive Oil
Flaxseed
Mussels
Dark Chocolate
Greek Yogurt
Asparagus
Peppermint
Oranges
Berries