When you’re pursuing a career as an actor it’s important to be able to memorize your lines.  You’ll need to learn the skills necessary to successfully pull off a role, and you’ll need to be on point with your delivery.  It’s important to maintain your health so you’ll able to have a long, successful career, and part of this is maintaining brain health.

The following foods have been shown to improve brain functioning and protect against cognitive decline, according to the experts at WebMD.  Incorporating these into your daily diet will help you be your best self for a long time to come.

Nutrient-dense vegetables

Think asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, carrots and sweet potatoes.  These veggies are full of all kinds of vitamins and nutrients necessary for supporting brain function.

Whole grains

Brown and wild rice pairs perfectly with a variety of proteins.  Steel cut oats, barley, and popcorn are other great options.  Whole grains are rich in many of the B vitamins that reduce inflammation of the brain and preserve memory.

Nuts

Almonds, cashews, peanuts, and walnuts are all full of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, folate, and potassium known to support health.  They’re also high in protein, filling, and great to keep with you when you’re heading to gigs.

Vegetable oils

Opt to incorporate good-for-you oils into your cooking.  High in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, vegetable oil is an all-natural anti-inflammatory that improves memory.

Leafy Greens

Studies have shown that eating leafy greens slows the aging process and protects brain health.  Greens are high in magnesium, which dilates blood vessels and boosts blood flow to this vital organ.

Berries

All kinds of yummy berries have been known to have brain benefits.  Blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, and strawberries are just a few of the delicious choices.  Berries are high in antioxidants and have been proven to delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Seafood

Seafood is high in protein with some of the best options for the brain being herring, tuna, and salmon which are all naturally high in omega-3.  Studies have indicated that those who consume diets with this healthy fatty acid actually have larger, more active brains.

Poultry

Skinless chicken and turkey are lean, protein-dense, and high in choline.  Choline is a building block of acetylcholine which helps keeps memory in check.

Dairy

Traditional dairy products tend to get a lot of flack because they can be hard on the belly.  Research has shown, though, that they are essential for supporting the brain.  Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese are all great choices.

It’s important to continue to care for yourself even when things get uber-busy.  Many options that are essential for cognitive function are easy to carry with you while you’re on-the-go.  Make sure to incorporate a few of these goodies into your daily routine and you’ll always be on your game!