* Antioxidants: Foods and supplements containing antioxidants (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids, phytochemicals, catechins) could boost your brain health and longevity. Omega-3 fatty acids found in many kinds of seafood, including salmon, halibut, scallops, have been linked to reduced brain inflammation and nerve cell regeneration. Not into seafood? Antioxidants can be found in less fishy sources, too: darkly coloured vegetables and fruits contain phytochemicals (blueberries, in particular), and green tea is packed with catechins.

* B vitamins: B is for brain, that’s for sure. The B family of vitamins is a rich source of food for the nervous system. The messages our brain sends back and forth between our nerves depend on B-complex vitamins, especially folic acid, vitamin B6, and choline. Finding foods full of B-complex vitamins isn’t too hard. Folic acid can be found in dark greens, including spinach, asparagus, romaine lettuce, and turnip or mustard greens. Loads of beans contain folic acid, too. Try black, garbanzo, or pinto for a folic acid feast. Crack an egg for choline: egg yolks contain this B-vitamin in abundance. Other sources include soybeans, peanut butter, potatoes, or whole wheat bread.

* Iron: Iron helps our blood supply oxygen to our body. Deficiencies in iron have been associated with ADHD, learning disabilities, and lowered IQ. It stands to reason, then, that our reasoning skills could benefit from foods that contain iron. Find iron in foods like spinach, blackstrap molasses, lentils, tofu, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

* Vitamin E: Some stave off mental decline with a daily crossword or Sudoku puzzle. Foods with vitamin E could keep you sharp, too! Vitamin E, especially taken along with vitamin C, has been linked to reduced cognitive decline with aging. Take note of vitamin E-rich foods: mustard and turnip greens, spinach, and broccoli. And if green is not your colour, you can pop sunflower seeds, almonds, or olives for a dose of vitamin E.