NUTRITION Foods to Feed Your Brain

These nutrient-packed picks will help you stay sharp.

- ALYSSA JUNG

You show your brain love all the time-moving your body and getting good-quality zzz's are two of the biggest ways, and challenging it to keep it agile is another. What you eat is also super important. "Studies emphasize how nutrition profoundly impacts cognitive function. Food can support or hinder our ability to think, focus, remember, and make decisions," says Laura lu, R.D., a certified intuitive-eating counselor in New York City.

Nutrients that play key roles in supporting the function of your topmost organ include omega-3's; antioxidants; vitamins B and E; and iron, zinc, and magnesium, whereas too much sugar, alcohol, sodium, or processed food may mess with brainpower now and down the line. Try these bites to support brain health.

ROASTED CABBAGE WITH WALNUT-MISO SAUCE

ACTIVE 20 MIN.

TOTAL 30 MIN.

SERVES 4 TO 6

Heat oven to 475°F. Brush rimmed baking sheet with 2 tsp olive oil; add one 2-lb red cabbage (cut into 12 wedges, core intact) in single layer, brush with 1 Tbsp oil, and sprinkle with ½ tsp kosher salt. Roast, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender-crisp, 16 to 20 min. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, whisk together 1 clove garlic (grated), 2 Tbsp red miso, 2 tsp honey, 1 tsp rice vinegar, and ¼ tsp pepper; gradually whisk in ¼ cup unsweetened pear juice or nectar (warmed; we used Ceres). Stir in 3/4 cup roasted walnuts (roughly chopped) and 1 Tbsp oil. Drizzle sauce over cabbage wedges and sprinkle with 3 scallions (thinly sliced).

PER SERVING: About 241 cal, 17.5 g fat (2 g sat), 0 mg chol, 467 mg sodium, 19 g carb, 5 g fiber, 10 g sugar (2.5 g added sugar), 5 g pro

WALNUTS