11 Everyday Foods That Regrow Brain Cells
They’re a lot more common than you think...
The mind is miraculous.
The better we take care of it, the better we experience life.
And there’s no better way to care for the mind than by feeding it the nutrients it needs to thrive.
After reading Regenerate by Sayer Ji, I’m doubling down on these herbs and foods in my own life.
Turmeric
Turmeric is something you might find in chicken tikka masala, but its real power comes from curcumin, one of its main active compounds.
Curcumin has thousands of studies behind it — from lowering inflammation and improving heart health to reducing neuroinflammation and clearing beta-amyloid plaque, a key factor in Alzheimer’s and cognitive decline.
When I struggled with CIRS and Lyme, turmeric helped calm my body and clear my mind. I still use it regularly for focus and clarity — one of the key ingredients for great brain health.
My favorite supplement that contains curcumin in a bioavailable form (alongside other brain-boosting herbs) is CBD Synergies-PN Relief Formula.
(Not a sponsor, just something I genuinely use.)
Ginger
Science has documented over 80 pharmacological compounds in ginger.
Some of the most powerful show anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.
Ginger’s exosomes may even cross the blood–brain barrier, providing direct healing benefits.
Beyond that, it improves digestion — and better digestion means better nutrient absorption for the brain.
I use ginger daily in teas, juices, and stir-fries.
One of my favorite teas, Fire Starter, combines ginger with other amazing superfood herbs grown on a fully organic regenerative farm in Vermont.
Rosemary
Greek scholars used to wear rosemary crowns to enhance memory, cognition, and verbal recall — something pretty useful when you’re out there writing philosophical masterpieces.
Beyond its history, rosemary helps improve memory, sensory awareness, and focus.
I love diffusing rosemary essential oil while I write, or adding it to soups and roasted dishes.
It smells incredible, sharpens focus, and adds flavor to almost anything.
Put it in soups, in a diffuser, or even in your hair — why not?
Coffee
Sipping on a raw milk flat white while watching the sunrise is one of my favorite rituals.
From Morocco to Montana to Japan, billions of people do the same — and the science behind coffee’s brain benefits is strong.
It’s not just the caffeine; coffee contains polyphenols (plant compounds) that help fight oxidative stress and support healthy neurons.
A shot of espresso even contains magnesium — something most people are deficient in.
Make sure to try and drink the highest quality coffee as much of it is filled with Pesticides, heavy metals and mold which contributes to a really shitty morning which I talked about in my article here.
Green Tea (and Matcha)
Coffee’s more zen cousin, green tea, might be even more profound when it comes to brain-boosting potential.
Compounds like EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) and L-theanine support neurogenesis, increase BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), and promote relaxed focus by enhancing alpha brain waves, which directly translates to neurogenesis, the growth of new neurons.
That’s why people who get jittery from coffee often thrive on green tea.
Matcha has the highest L-theanine content and has been shown to:
Increase BDNF and grow new neurons
Reduce oxidative stress
Support gut health
Slow aging
Make sure you get Organic and Ceremonial grade Green Tea or Matcha to avoid the containments and pesticides.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s mane — the “albino Rastafari,” as I like to call it — looks like a white mop of dreadlocks.
According to the ancient Doctrine of Signatures, plants and fungi that resemble human organs tend to heal them. Lion’s mane definitely fits the brain.
It contains NGF (nerve growth factor) and BDNF, two compounds critical for repairing and regenerating the nervous system — something we all need in this high-stress, screen-filled world.
Everyone’s promoting lion’s mane these days, but quality matters.
Look for organic fruiting body extracts (not mycelium on oats).
Brands like Qualia Mind do this right.
Walnuts
Speaking of the Doctrine of Signatures — just look at a walnut.
It mirrors the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
Walnuts are packed with omega-3s, polyphenols, and vitamin E, all essential for neuroprotection and long-term cognitive health.
I like to sprout them to reduce phytic acid and make a brain-boosting walnut butter:
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo trees can live for over 1,000 years, and their leaves have been used for centuries to enhance circulation and cognition. Ginkgo improves blood flow to the brain, scavenges free radicals, and enhances focus and memory.
Dr. Daniel Amen says some of the best brain scans he’s ever seen belong to people who use Ginkgo daily.
Look for extracts with 24% glycosides and 6% terpenes, and make sure they’re free from contaminants.
Qualia Mind once again carries one of the cleanest, most effective forms on the market.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the most versatile brain foods out there.
Thanks to its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), it provides neurons with an alternative energy source — ketones.
It’s been shown to support neurological recovery and improve cognitive function.
Ways to use it:
Cook with it
Add it to rice to enhance nutrient absorption
Make Bulletproof Coffee (coffee + MCT oil + butter or ghee)
Look for C8 MCT oil, which yields the highest ketone levels — and buy it in glass packaging when possible.
Coconut Water
Coconut water surprised me with how many healing properties it holds.
It’s a nutrient-rich fluid full of electrolytes, amino acids, and growth factors, including trans-zeatin, a plant cytokine with anti-aging effects.
High-quality, non-pasteurized coconut water hydrates every cell and supports the brain’s metabolic function.
If you can find it in glass bottles, even better — you’re winning.
CBD
CBD has over 100 studies supporting its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.
It also promotes deep sleep and relaxation without suppressing REM — unlike THC.
And for the record, THC doesn’t “fry your brain.” In fact, some studies show it may help reduce acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) activity, supporting memory and cognition in low doses. Moderation please, I am not promoting smoking weed. But hey, do you;)
Quality is everything: organic, outdoor-grown, and high-vibration farming practices make the difference.
Amazing CBD Company of the week: Element Health
Bonus Tips for Maximum Brain Benefit
Choose organic, non–cold-pasteurized products — heat destroys bioactive compounds.
Use digestive enzymes (like BiOptimizers) to enhance nutrient absorption.
Pair your foods with movement, meditation, sunlight, and music to amplify their effect.
Gratitude and intention help the body absorb nutrients better. Bless your food — it matters.
These are just a few ways to improve the health of your brain — and it can all start right in your kitchen or coffee house.
Next week, we’ll look at daily habits and activities that keep your brain sharp and youthful.
Stay curious, stay high-vibe, and keep exploring how your body and mind were always designed to heal.
With love,
Jack
(Founder of Biohack with Jack)
 | A guest post by
|
Thanks. Always like Sayer, and especially condensing! Shared your article. 🦋