There are a whole lot of foods that can do wonders to your physical health – a helping of vitamins, a dollop of calcium, a smattering of proteins. We’ve been told about a balanced diet and what it can do for us. Well, healthful foods not only nourish our bodies but energize our minds too. Here are some foods that can give that boost to our minds.

Soya: Isoflavons, the natural plant oestrogen in soya foods, act on oestrogen receptors in the human brains, which is a crucial area for memory. So add soya products like soya milk, tofu and soya atta to your diet.

Caffeine: It increases concentration, faster responses and quick thinking. To get your caffeine fix, dig into dark chocolates, soft drinks, tea and coffee.

Almonds: They are good for preserving the vitality of the brain because almonds are rich in copper, iron, phosphorous and Vitamin B. The best way to have them is to soak them overnight before popping a few into your mouth.

Fish: Oily fish contain Omega-3 fatty acids that are good for the brain cell membrane. Fish like sardines, salmon, herring and mackerel are a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Eggs: Choline is a B Comples Vitamin that is concentrated in high-cholesterol foods like eggs and liver. Lack of Choline in your diet can lead to impairment of memory and even concentration.

Rosemary and Sage: Rosemary helps in improving the blood supply to the head and stimulates the brain.

Vitamin B: Vitamin B2, which is found in liver, milk, almonds, green vegetables, mushrooms, pasta and bread, help to increase your memory. Vitamin B6, found in grain cereals and breads help long-term memory. Vitamin B12 is essential for the healthy metabolism of nerve tissue and a deficiency of this vitamin can cause brain damage and lead to neurological disorders. Vitamin B12 is found in liver, beef, pork, eggs, cheese, fish and milk.

Iron: Found in leafy vegetables, raisins, peanut butter, eggs, liver, shellfish, meats and soyabean, iron helps red blood cells to send oxygen throughout the body and plays an important role in the transmission of signals to the brain.

Zinc: It helps increase mental alertness. You can find zinc in seafood, oysters, fish, legumes, cereals, whole grains and meat.