It’s no secret that our brains tend to slow down as we age. After the age of 25, we start to naturally lose brain cells. The good news is, scientists have discovered that you can grow new brain cells throughout your life. There are several habits you can adopt to promote the growth of new cells and keep your brain as sharp as ever.
Here are nine habits that help you regrow brain cells:
1. Eat Blueberries
Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants. They also contain a flavonoid called anthocyanin dye, which is responsible for their blue coloring. Anthocyanin dye has the ability to produce new neurons in the brain.
2. Exercise
Regular endurance exercise such as jogging can promote new brain cell growth. Endurance exercisestimulates the production of a protein known as FNDC5. This protein stimulates the production of another protein in the brain, known as BDNF, which promotes the growth of new nerves and synapses.
3. Eat Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Foods rich in Omega-3’s help promote the growth of neurons. Add avocados, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts and olive oil to your diet to make sure you get your daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Drink Green Tea
Not only is green tea full of antioxidants, it also contains a compound known as epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG. EGCG has been linked to the growth of new brain cells, so drink up!
5. Spend Time Outdoors
Exposing your skin to the natural sunlight allows your body to produce Vitamin D. Vitamin Dincreases the levels of BDNF in your brain – a protein that stimulates teh growth of new nerves and synapses.
6. Add Turmeric To Your Diet
Studies suggest that turmeric may contribute to the regeneration of a damaged brain, which can be extremely beneficial in treating neurological disorders.
7. Keep Yourself Engaged
Keeping your brain stimulated increases hippocampal neurogenesis – the process by which neurons are generated. Learning a new skill, interacting with others, putting a puzzle together or filling out a crossword puzzle can help keep your brain active.
8. Eat Dark Chocolate
Like blueberries, dark chocolate contains antioxidants and flavonoids. Snacking on some organic dark chocolate from time to time can help you grow new neurons!
9. Try Intermittent Fasting
Some studies have shown that intermittent fasting can significantly reduce the effects of aging on the brain. It has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and it stimulates the growth of new brain cells.