Hanna was an advocate of our kitchens being the first line of defense in overall well-being and for treating illnesses. Keeping this in mind, we have looked to our cupboards and refrigerators to compile a list of foods to eat to keep your brain functioning in tip-top shape. While research linking diet to prevention of mental decline is still in its infancy, there is no shortage of research on how some foods have a positive impact on brain function, health and memory. Check out the top foods for a healthy brain. 

Almonds can help increase the level of high density lipoproteins/HDL and they reduce the level of low density lipoproteins/LDLs when added to your diet on a regular basis.

Nuts, Seeds, & Their Oils: From sunflower seeds to almonds to walnuts, there’s plenty of talk about the healthy oils from nuts and how they can improve brain health. Nuts contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which keep arteries clear. Because proper flow of blood to the brain is important for brain health, promoting circulation through a healthy diet is one way to ensure you’re looking after your brain in a natural way.

One ounce a day (about 15 walnuts or 25 almonds) is a good goal and while nuts are a healthy snack, keep in mind that eating too many of them in a day can get your calorie count up! Hanna wrote, “Almonds are a good brain tonic. Almond oil, only 1 teaspoon daily, will improve your memory.” Looking for an added boost to improve circulation? You might want to check out Hanna’s master formula CircuFlow.

Colorful Fruits & Vegetables: Tomatoes contain lycopene, sweet potatoes are a powerful source of cartenoids, and spinach provides the body with lutein. Each of these, along with beets, berries, avocados, carrots, and other fruits and vegetables support brain health with their antioxidant content. Antioxidants attack free radicals, unstable molecules that create chemical reactions in the brain and attack healthy cells there and throughout the body. (Learn more about antioxidants and free radicals) By eating a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, you’re not only supporting healthy brain function but also helping to sweep the dangerous free radicals from your entire system.

Foods Rich in Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant on its own and can be found in plentiful supply in avocados, leafy greens, several nuts and oils, peppers, and papayas. Supplementation with Vitamin E is an excellent way to ensure you’re getting a proper daily dose for brain health as well as healthy skin. Because the foods that are richest in Vitamin E are often those containing the most fat (avocados, nuts, and oils) it is important to consider supplementation as a source for the recommended 15 mg per day of vitamin E for adults so that calorie intake doesn’t get out of control.

Maybe you’ve heard of the Mediterranean Diet by now but lost interest after the hype surrounding it died down. While there will be gimmicks that come and go, solid research backs up the theory that a classic diet rich in olive oil, legumes, fish, fruits, and leafy greens helps to protect against cardiovascular disease and improve brain health.