Seven Healthy Foods For The Ageing Brain (PICTURES)

Health and fitness advice tends to focus heavily on how we treat our bodies from the neck downwards. But this approach can mean there's a danger of forgetting about brain health.

While it's clear that exercise is an important factor in maintaining a healthy mind, a recent study shows that what you eat can also affect the brain.

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Research published in the journal Annals of Neurology revealed that the type of fats consumed could affect brain health.

Of a group of women studied, those who consumed more "good fats" performed better in cognitive tests than those who eat more "bad" fats, such as those found in red meat.

To get more "good" fats in your diet, why not try some of the foods below...

Foods For Brain Health

Fish(01 of07)

Eating two servings of fish weekly can provide brain health benefits since it is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids -- which are important for brain function. Having a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids has been linked to lower risks of dementia and stroke, and can help improve memory. (credit:Flickr: stevendepolo)

Nuts And Dark Chocolate(02 of07)

Yes, chocolate is good for you! Dark chocolate has been found to sharpen focus because of the caffeine it contains. An ounce of nuts or seeds per day is a great source of vitamin E, which may slow cognitive decline. (credit:Alamy)

Blueberries(03 of07)

Not only are these little berries delicious, research has shown blueberries may help to reduce the effects of Alzheimer's and dementia. (credit:Flickr: basheertome)

Herbs And Spices(04 of07)

Next time you're whipping up some grub, turn to your spice rack for an extra brain boost. Spices and herbs may do more for your health than you realize. According to Dr. Daniel Amen, author of "Use Your Brain To Change Your Age," cinnamon balances blood sugar; garlic, oregano and rosemary increase blood flow to the brain; curry acts as an anti-inflammatory; and saffron can have anti-depressant effects. (credit:Flickr: clayirving)

Good Fats(05 of07)

Don't eliminate all of the fat in your diet. Instead, focus on incorporating good fats. In fact, if your cholesterol drops too low, you may be at greater risk for depression, according to Amen and several studies on low cholesterol. So what exactly are "good fats"? Dr. Amen advises people to eat foods rich in omega-3s to promote brain health, including almonds, walnuts, brazil nuts, fish, lamb, avocados and green leafy vegetables. Another added benefit of eating good fats? "Your vitamins are actually absorbed better when you eat them with a little bit of fat," said Dr. Amen."The American Heart Association recommends that unsaturated fats make up 18 to 28 percent of the calories in our diets," reports a Health.com article. (credit:Flickr: Andreanna Moya Photography)

Cruciferous Vegetables(06 of07)

Adding foods like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussels sprouts could have great brain health benefits. These vegetables pack serious antioxidant power which helps protect the brain. One Harvard Medical School study found that women who ate more of these veggies lowered their brain age by one to two years, Prevention reports. (credit:Flickr: adie reed)

Whole Grains(07 of07)

A diet rich in whole grains can help stabilize blood glucose levels. By keeping levels steady, you can feel more energized and focused. (credit:Alamy)

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