8. Olive Oil
Not just any oil – extra virgin olive oil. Polyphenols are found in the oil. They are a powerful brand of antioxidants that not only improve memory and learning but can go beyond that to reverse the effects of aging and disease on the brain. Secondly, there are certain proteins that can damage the brain and actually bring on diseases such as Alzheimer’s. These proteins are called ADDLs, and the oil protects the brain from these. With this natural lubrication, the brain is set to focus and function better.
Get your extra virgin olive oil fix by enjoying it over salads or in other pressed forms cold. It’s not a good idea to use this oil for cooking, as heat actually causes the good compounds in the oil to break down. This is a sense is the equivalent of the oil going ‘off’ and you won’t get any benefits when you consume the oil in its heated form.