3 Foods that boost brain health and that have anti-aging benefits

BY EMILY LAURENCE, WELL AND GOOD

Make room next to your bone broth: Collagen isn’t the only nutrient with anti-aging cred. According to a new study, lutein also has some bragging rights.

Scientists found that consuming the nutrient lutein on the reg can actually counter cognitive aging, making it a major brain health booster. Getting your fill can actually help the neurological responses in your brain to stay speedy (and bonus: it’s also great for your eyesight).

“As people get older, they experience typical decline. However, research has shown that this process can start earlier than expected. You can even start to see some differences in the 30s,” says Anne Walk, one of the authors of the study done at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

In other words, it pays to start getting your lutein fix now. The great news is that it’s found in normal, easy-to-get foods that are loaded with other good-for-you benefits. Keep reading to find out what they are.

Leafy greens

Spinach and kale are never not good for you. Besides packing plenty of fiber, protein, iron, and vitamin D, it’s also full of lutein. So when it comes to filling up your salad bowl, go ahead and embrace the dark (green) side—it’s good for your brain.

Avocados

That’s right, besides being a healthy fat bomb, your fave healthy fruit will keep your brain young. Feel free to go all out with your avo-coffee smoothie, toast, and of course, avocado nice cream.

Eggs

Whether you like ’em scrambled, poached, or sunny-side up, you’re getting a big helping of lutein (and healthy protein).

Another way to keep your noggin sharp: going barefoot—seriously. And if you want to eat yourself beautiful, here are 9 key foods to start noshing on.