It's worth having a serious think about what you're putting into your body. Diet aside, the greater the nutrient rich food is, the greater the impact it can have on your brain. This month, the Baycrest Foundation has launched 'The Brain Project' a large outdoor art exhibition dedicated to raising awareness of brain health. To honour the exhibit, here are our six foods your body (and brain) will thank you for and where to get them in the city.
While we all make fun of kale and spinach for being popular food trends, the fact is, they are actually really good for you. Loaded with vitamin K, these green leafy veggies also slow down the cognitive decline and help your brain function. Grab a plateful of the green stuff in the form of the famed Cavolo Nero from Gusto 101 ($13.99). The salad includes kale, zante currants, toasted pine nuts pecorino, parmigiano, lemon vinaigrette and is proof that you can make friends with salad.
Fatty fish like salmon, tuna or halibut are a great source of vitamin D, but also chalked full of omega-3 fatty acids. Not only as these fatty acids good for healthy brain function, but also strengthen your heart and joints. Head down to your local fishmonger for your fix. We're big fans of Hooked, a fish shop run by chefs, with four locations across Ontario including both an east and west option in Toronto.
While everyone has their opinions on which oil is the best oil, one thing is for certain: olive oil is a powerful antioxidant. It's widely reported that extra virgin olive oil improves learning and memory while other studies have shown that the fats found in olive oil can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Sure, you could have a spoonful of raw olive oil or try the better (and more delicious) option by ordering some of the organic house-made labneh ($11) from Byblos, served with fennel, honey and bread.
Blueberries contain an antioxidant that not only makes them super healthy for your brain but also, a 'super' berry. What does that mean? It has been proven that with large consumptions of the fruit can be incredibly helpful for improving or delaying short term memory loss. So this Sunday, indulge a little with with Mrs. Biederhof’s Legendary Light & Fluffy Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes ($16) from Mildred’s Temple Kitchen. Like you needed an excuse.
Avocados are just as good, if not better, than blueberries for promoting brain health. High in monounsaturated fats, these buttery fruits (yep - they are a fruit!) help contribute to continued healthy blood flow in the brain. There's also extremely versatile so there's no excuse for not getting your fill. Live Organic Food Bar offers a killer option with their Detox Salad ($8) which includes kelp noodles, kale, mixed seeds and you guessed it - avocado.
Besides being an incredibly versatile cooking ingredient, there are a lot of powerful antioxidants found in tomatoes. They can protect against damage to cells which occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's. One tomato rich dish that have been popping up in restaurants all over Toronto is shakshuka, a Middle Eastern breakfast staple. The most quick and convenient on-the-go option is at Aroma Espresso Bar ($9.95) featuring two sunny-side up eggs in a rich tomato and red pepper sauce, served with tahini.
