Typically found in curry powder, turmeric contains a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin, which is able to improve memory (particularly in Alzheimer cases), boost serotonin and dopamine levels (both of which improve mood and alleviate depression), and help new brain cells grow and delay mental decline.

Reap the benefits of curcumin by adding turmeric to your dishes, cooking with curry powder, or even drinking turmeric tea.

A Nonya-inspired tweak on your traditional prawn sambal that is quick, simple and downright delicious.

Get the recipe here

When it comes to brain foods, fatty fish often tops the list.

Approximately 60 per cent of our brain is made of fat, and half of that fat is the omega-3 type. These omega-3 fats are used to build brain and nerve cells, and are essential for memory and learning.

As a rich source of omega-3, fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and trout help to sharpen memory, improve one’s mood, and protect the brain from declining.

Studies have also shown that eating baked or broiled fish increases the grey matter in our brain, which contains most of the nerve cells that control and impact our memory, emotions and decision-making abilities.

Impress your loved one by whipping up this deliciously healthy meal featuring yummy salmon on a bed of quinoa. This heart-healthy recipe is part of a four-course menu created by MasterChef Asia finalist Chef Lennard Yeong for the Singapore Heart Foundation.

Save this for the next family lunch

This garden herb has had a long reputation for improving concentration memory and concentration. This is because of its antioxidative, oestrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its ability to inhibit an enzyme that causes Alzheimer’s disease.

Sage may be mostly used as an essential oil, but you can also add it to your diet for an extra flavour and health benefits.

This wonderful Roast Turkey With Sage Stuffing recipe is easy and elegant for Christmas dinner.

Bookmark this one for keeps

Like dark chocolate, dark-coloured berries contain flavonoids, catechins, caffeic acid and anthocyanin (plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties).

Antioxidants reduce inflammation and prevent oxidation, thus delaying age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. They also help to improve communication between brain cells and increase plasticity, which boosts learning and memory by allowing brain cells to form new connections.

Antioxidant-rich brain-boosting berries include blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and mulberries, so toss a handful of them into your breakfast yoghurt, cereal or smoothie daily to enjoy their benefits.

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This meringue-based dessert is a light and fluffy treat with a crisp crust, topped with dollops of mascarpone cream and mixed berries.

Save it for a special occasion

You don’t have to feel guilty for enjoying this sweet treat. Dark chocolate (and cocoa powder) contain brain-boosting components such as antioxidants, caffeine, and flavonoids, which gather in the parts of the brain that control learning and memory.

Plus, studies have shown that not only is dark chocolate a memory-booster, it is also a legitimate mood-lifter, thanks to the flavonoids that protect our brain.

Break open one of these Choc-Custard Doughnuts to find an oozy chocolate custard centre. These are best eaten fresh, so serve soon after cooking them.

Get the recipe here

Pumpkin seeds not only contain antioxidants that protect the brain (and body) from free radical damage, they are also high in micronutrients such as magnesium, iron, copper and zinc.

Magnesium is essential for learning and memory. Iron helps to improve brain function, while copper and zinc are essential for nerve signals. All of these help to keep neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and depression at bay.

Wholesome brown rice pairs fantastically with fragrant Japanese pumpkin in this nutritious salad that also contains lots of seeds and greens.

Take a look at the recipe

We know that nuts contain heart-healthy fats, but they also contain antioxidants and vitamin E that improve cognition and help stave off neurodegenerative diseases. Vitamin E protects cell membranes from free radical damage, thus helping to waylay mental decline.

Pick any nut for neuro and cardio benefits, but almonds are particularly high in vitamin E and walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, so reach for those when you’re craving for a midday snack.

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Almond Sugee Shortbread Cookies

This nut-crusted barramundi brings in a new textural element to baked fish. Serve with crispy rosti, asparagus and sauce for an all-rounded family meal.

Try it here

Broccoli is chock-full of antioxidants and vitamin K (one cup of it provides more than 100 per cent of the recommended daily intake), which is essential for forming a type of fat in our brain cells, leading to better memory.

Broccoli also contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, protecting the brain against age-related damage and decline.

Who says eating healthy has to be boring? Have an alfresco meal with the family and dive into this beautiful galore of colours.

Bookmark it for your next family meal

If you can’t live without your daily cup of java, here’s some good news. Coffee contains two main components — caffeine and antioxidants — that have positive effects on your brain. Caffeine improves alertness by blocking the chemical messenger that makes you feel sleepy, improves mood by boosting ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitters such as serotonin, and sharpens concentration.

Due to the high concentration of antioxidants in coffee, long-term consumption of it may also reduce the risk of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, so go ahead and grab that cuppa (but keep away from the sugar packets).

Try this easy amaretti, peach and coffee cake with a dollop of whipped cream!

Save it for the weekend

Eggs contain several nutrients related to brain health, such as choline, folate, and vitamins B6 and B12.

Many people don’t get enough choline in their diet, but it is a crucial micronutrient that our body uses to produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and memory, resulting in improved memory and mental function.

Egg yolks have a high concentration of choline. A single yolk contains 112mg, providing more than a quarter of the recommended daily intake for women and more than a fifth for that of men. Plus, folic acid and B vitamins can help to delay mental decline and keep depression at bay.

Looking for something decadent for brunch or a special breakfast? Check out this delicious recipe for a special cheese and mushroom omelette!

Get the recipe here

Text: Joyce Chua, Recipes & Photos: BauerSyndication.com.au

This post was first published on August 28, 2019, and updated on July 23, 2020. 

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