Giving Your Brain a Boost: How Vegan Foods Can Help You Focus

We already know that going vegan can improve your mood, your health, your environmental footprint, and so much more, but did you know that it may also make you smarter? That’s right—research shows that being vegan can improve your focus and memory retention. That’s an A+ for living with compassion!

Going Vegan and Brain Health—What the Research Says

Many vegan foods are full of fiber, nutrients, and vitamins that help boost brain function, improve memory, and support overall cognitive health. One cross-sectional study found that adults who went vegan showed significant improvements in memory and executive function, compared to those who did not. Research also shows that meat-free diets high in antioxidants can protect the brain by reducing stress and inflammation—key factors in neurodegeneration. 

There’s also evidence that being vegan can protect your brain from diseases like Alzheimer’s. According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), people who eat more saturated fats, cholesterol, and total calories—like from meat, dairy, and eggs—run a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s than those who have made the switch to healthy, plant-based foods which are naturally cholesterol-free, and often lower fat and higher fiber.

Brain-Healthy Foods

Finding whole vegan foods that have all the brain-powering vitamins you need—like omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, and iodine—is ridiculously easy. (Plus, it never hurts to make sure you’re meeting your nutritional needs—like vitamin B12—with some handy vegan supplements).

Here are just a handful of foods that are good for your noggin:

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, collards): They’re high in folate, vitamin K, and lutein—all linked to slower cognitive decline.
• Walnuts: They’re loaded with omega-3s, vitamin E, and polyphenols, which may support brain function.
• Blueberries: They’re rich in antioxidants that are known to fight cell damage and improve memory.
• Avocados: They provide healthy fats and B vitamins that have been shown to support blood flow and brain health.
• Pumpkin seeds: They’re packed with iron, zinc, antioxidants, and magnesium, which could support brain development, memory, and learning.
• Whole grains: They are known to provide steady energy to the brain and are rich in B vitamins.
• Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans): They’re high in complex carbohydrates, protein, and iron—key for mood improvement and focus.
• Tomatoes: They contain lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce cell damage linked to cancer and aging.

(Remember: While eating vegan may support focus and memory, everyone’s nutritional needs are different. It’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for your individual needs.)

Being vegan isn’t just good for your head—it’s good for your whole body! Research shows that going vegan can provide protection against numerous diseases, including some of our country’s biggest killers: heart disease, cancer, and strokes.

Use Your Head and Go Vegan!

Going vegan is the smartest thing you can do for yourself, the planet, and our fellow animals. Think about it: every animal is someone. Cows have long-term friendships, and mother hens teach calls to their chicks before they’ve even hatched—these sensitive, social animals do not want to be exploited and slaughtered for their flesh, milk, or eggs.

Order a free vegan starter kit today! If you’ve already made the compassionate switch, gift a copy to a friend, colleague, neighbor, or anyone else.

Send Me a Vegan Starter Kit

© iStock.com/anopdesignstock

Order Your FREE Vegan Starter Kit

Send Me a Vegan Starter Kit