How to Boost Your Memory Naturally? 8 Memory Boosting Foods

Decades ago, people believe that senility or frequently forgetting a lot of things is a fact of life for old people. For them, there is nothing that one can do but gracefully accept that at a certain age, probably 70 or 80, one will start to show signs of cognitive function decline.

If you want to maintain a sharp mind and a keen memory, all you have to do is to eat healthy foods and exercise regularly. Several studies have shown that increased exercise, even just walking, is crucial in keeping a healthy mind.

It is important to note, however, that eating memory-boosting foods, and regular exercise aids in keeping a healthy blood flow. These activities may also help in creating and maintaining new nerve connections in the brain.

Another benefit of exercise is that it aids in keeping glucose levels normal. Glucose is important in the proper functioning of the brain, so even a slight decline in the level of glucose may have a great impact on the brain functions of an old person.

Our brain functions are impaired or greatly diminished if not used regularly, much like our muscles atrophy when not utilized or exercised.  Nowadays, there are many ways in which you can improve your memory and brain functions.

Reading, doing crossword puzzles, playing board games, enrolling in school, or learning a new language are just some ways wherein you can help boost your mental functions. Students today are under attack. Their precious study time is being stolen by countless distractions. Learn these memory methods and take some time back.

Aside from physical and mental exercise, you also have to pay attention to what you eat and drink. Try increasing your intake of vegetables and fruits because they contain vitamins and minerals that are important in helping promote brain health.

Memory is not a muscle. If you keep exercising it, it will not get bigger or more powerful. The capacity of one’s memory is more or less fixed but that does not mean the memory cannot be helped and given a boost. For those looking for memory-enhancing techniques, nourish your brain with healthy food rather than gulping pills. Memory boosting foods include:

List of Memory Boosting Foods:

1. Antioxidants: Antioxidants like vitamins A, E, and C are found in natural foods like eggs, carrots, broccoli, fish, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and fruits. They reduce cell damage in the brain.

2. Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish, mustard oil, mustard seeds, methi, urad dal, rajma, soybeans, labia, walnuts, bajra, and flaxseeds are good for the brain as well as for the skin and heart. Flaxseeds are the richest plant source of omega-3 fats.

3. Vitamin B1: It keeps the nervous system healthy and is used in the biosynthesis of a number of cell constituents, including the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and gamma-aminobutyric acid. It also aids memory and learning. Good sources of vitamin B1 (Thiamin) include rice bran, wheat germ, whole wheat flour, barley, maize (dry), eggs, cow’s milk (skimmed, whole), etc.; wheat and rice bran being the richest sources.

4. Vitamin B12: It is needed for the proper functioning of the central nervous system. It improves concentration, memory, and balance, and relieves irritability. Foods of animal origin like egg, lean meat, low-fat milk, etc. are good sources of animal origin. Plant foods containing this vitamin include spirulina (blue-green algae).

5. Folic Acid: It is essential for the body’s clearance of homocysteine, an amino acid that causes cognitive decline and preserves cellular health. Green leafy vegetables, broccoli, pulses, and wheat germ form important sources of folic acid.

6. Lecithin: Lecithin is a primary component of all cell membranes and helps insulate nerves. It may help to improve short-term memory and prevent memory loss. Good sources of lecithin are egg yolk, soybeans, cauliflower, beans, legumes, grains, and wheat germ.

7. Healthy Fats: Fats found in nuts, oilseeds, and cold-pressed oils like olive oil, sesame oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, and corn oil are healthy fats. Limit the intake of foods rich in saturated fats like red meat, pizzas, desserts, margarine, etc. as these fats lead to the formation of free radicals that can injure brain cells and hamper the functioning of neurotransmitters.

8. Fad Diets: Avoid fad diets and fasting as these can lead to hidden nutritional deficiencies, further hampering brain function and increasing the production of free radicals.