It’s no coincidence that nature provides its bounty in phases throughout the year. The variety of fruits and vegetables that thrive during each season are meant to help us transition. And although we may no longer live as hunters and gatherers, it’s smart (and fun) to take advantage of those seasonal flavors.
Eating seasonally means that the produce which is available is typically fresher and tastier compared to it “out of season”. Check out this article that explains why eating seasonally is so beneficial (and delicious) as well as all the fruits and vegetables we should eat seasonally in North America.
Summer is a great time of year to enjoy seasonal produce because of the wide variety of fruits, vegetables and legumes that are “ripe” during the Summer months. Some Summer seasonal foods include blueberries, strawberries, spinach, and beans. Not only are these Summer seasonal foods delicious, but they are also vital to our brain health. These foods are filled with nutrients to support overall brain health, cognitive functioning, and memory.
There’s good news. Even if it’s not summer, there are plenty of brain-healthy foods to support positive cognitive functioning year-round. Here is a list of foods to boost your brain health and memory, anytime!
One of our favorite brain-friendly fruits are blueberries. Blueberries are known for being packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants assist with improving our memory and reducing the de-generation of the brain. This helps support the health and longevity of our brain functioning. Boost your brain health when you make this easy, at-home “Blueberry Brain Smoothie”!
Another berry that supports brain health are strawberries. Strawberries are also packed with antioxidants, like blueberries, leafy greens, and kidney beans. Strawberries support healthy brain functioning and are essential at regulating the nervous system by providing iodine and potassium. The iodine and potassium provided by strawberries promotes blood circulation in the body and brain. Having good blood circulation promotes healthy organ functioning and cell growth. Get a double dose of brain health when you prepare this berry salad!
All beans are nutritious and beneficial to our overall health and well-being. However, did you know that black beans are known as “the brain booster”? Beans are considered to be a superfood because they have so many nutrients and benefits that feed our bodies and brain. Beans are packed with Vitamin B, which supports the communication between our neurotransmitters and our nerves. This communication stream is the “power grid” that allows our body to communicate and perform seamlessly! One of my absolute favorite bloggers came up with an amazing brain-friendly summer recipe that includes black beans.
As summer comes to a close, I challenge you to gather some of these ingredients and prepare your own versions with the family. And with autumn approaching, place a few ideas on your calendar that coincide with the upcoming harvest, utilizing fall’s seasonal fruits and vegetables. Share them with us – we love seeing your creative juices thrive!