5 brain-enhancing foods to help you ace that test

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Eating the right kinds of food not only does wonders to our physical health, it can also bode well for our minds.

There are certain foods that can help improve or maintain the body's brainpower. According to Rebecca Katz, author of The Healthy Mind Cookbook, brain health is dependent on what goes into our body.

"It used to be that scientists thought that as you grow older your brain cells die," Katz said, via Harpers Bazaar. "Now, we're actually seeing that our brain cells can regenerate-which is largely based on how we eat and exercise. If you're eating a whole foods diet, of course you're taking care of your body, but there are actually certain foods that are very important for the brain."

If you're looking to ace that test or simply need to improve your brainpower, these healthy foods can help you improve the function of your gray matter.

1.) Lentils

Lentils are part of the legume family and are rich in folate, thiamin and vitamin B6, iron, and zinc. All in all, these vitamins and nutrients can help keep the mind sharp and help improve its function and memory.

2.)  Blueberries

According to an article by Mercola, blueberries are high in antioxidants which can help improve thinking, memory and learning. Wild blueberries contain even higher antioxidants and are high in anthocyanin which helps prevent Alzheimer's disease, stroke, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders. Additionally it is also antu-inflammatory and can help prevent high blood pressure.

3.) Dark chocolate

Who says only fruits and vegetables can boost your brain power? Well, think again. Dark chocolate is derived from cacao, a bean that has 15 times more antioxidants than blueberries and 20 times more than green tea, according to Forbes. To get the best health benefit, make sure that you get quality organic dark chocolate that is at least 70 percent cocoa. Quality dark chocolate is rich in flavonols which is good from the brain's blood flow and blood vessels. It also contains magnesium, iron, fiber, theobromine and antioxidants.

4.) Cheese

According to Daily Mail, cheese is an ideal brain-enhancing food for children who need more fat in their diet and adults who need healthy food but are on a diet. It is a food that is packed with calcium, protein, magnesium, vitamin A, B-12, D and B-6.

5.) Fish

Omega-3 fatty acids are good for the brain and it is derived from fish oil. According to Today, fatty fish such as sardines, salmon and mackerel are great source of omega-3s.