5 Foods to Boost Your Brain Power—and the Recipe That Contains Them All

Sometimes, easing what ails you is as simple as enjoying a home-cooked meal. We've chosen some of the best ingredients to boost your brain—and created a recipe that shows you just how easy it is to get these foods into your diet.

New Year. New Food. Healthy eating starts here with the Cooking Light Diet.

Foods For a Healthier Brain

SALMON
Diets high in omega-3 fats (salmon is chock-full of them) are associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia.

KALE
Dark leafy greens like kale are full of vitamin E, which has been associated with better neurological performance in mice (in a study, they navigated a maze faster), possibly because it protects brain cells from oxidation.

WALNUTS
These nuts are packed with polyunsaturated fats, which can help with signaling between brain cells and help the brain grown and repair neurons.

EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
Its antioxidants may help with learning and memory.

TURMERIC
Curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its color, has been shown to help with memory. It also may help protect your brain from the buildup of amyloid plaques, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Make It: Salmon with Kale, Walnut, and White Bean Salad

Treat your taste buds to this elegant meal that takes only 15 minutes to make.