Foods That Help Fight Brain Injuries

Foods High In Vitamins C & E

Vitamin E has shown promise in protecting brain neurons from free radicals that can reduce function. It's also been shown to have a positive effect on memory performance in seniors, which is another indicator of its ability to maintain proper neuron health. A major study published in 2010 proved that patients with a brain injury who took high doses of vitamin C over the course of a week experienced a dramatic reduction in perilesional brain edema or swelling. Patients who didn't take the vitamin showed signs of increased swelling. Recent research also indicates that vitamin C combined with vitamin E may be even more beneficial. A second study found that patients taking vitamin E after a brain injury had a significantly lower in-hospital mortality rate and improved brain functioning scores when they were initially discharged, and at two and six-month check-ups.

While taking vitamin E supplements is the best way to get a high dose of vitamin E to reduce brain inflammation, there are also many foods high in vitamin E that should be incorporated into a diet. Good sources of vitamin E include nuts, seeds, avocados, broccoli, squash, fruit, and dark leafy greens.