Though you may think that food only affects your physical health, experts know that what you eat impacts every system of your body…including your brain. Food can stimulate the brain and deliver vital nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals that not only help increase memory and brain function but can protect against cognitive decline as well. If you tend to lose your keys on a daily basis or are always forgetting important details, you’ll want to add these foods to your diet to sharpen your memory today.
Blueberries
These antioxidant-rich berries help decrease inflammation, and their gallic acid can protect the brain from inflammation-related cognitive impairments and degeneration. Studies have shown that the high levels of flavonoids in these delicious berries can also help improve spatial memory. If that isn’t enough to convince you to eat a handful of blueberries each day, they are also rich in Vitamin K, C, and fiber.
Fatty fish
Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential building block of the brain. These fats play an imperative role in learning and memory and can be found in salmon, trout, and sardines.
Avocado
If fish aren’t really your thing, you can still get crucial healthy fat from other sources such as avocados. This popular low-sugar fruit is full of monounsaturated fat that helps keep skin and nails healthy and normalizes blood sugar levels. Avocadoes also contain Vitamin K and folate, which are vital for the health and strength of your brain and have been shown to boost concentration and memory and help prevent blood clots in the brain.
Broccoli
Thanks to its high levels of vitamin K and choline, broccoli is one of the best foods for keeping your mind sharp and your memory strong. It is loaded with fiber, so it helps keep you full for longer and has been shown to improve verbal episodic memory, which is the part of your brain that is responsible for remembering verbal instructions.
Turmeric
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric has received a lot of buzz lately for its anti-inflammatory benefits in the body. That’s not the only benefit of this golden treasure; however, turmeric may help prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s by limiting inflammation in the brain and encouraging cognitive function.
Chamomile tea
Lack of quality sleep doesn’t do any favors for your brain. In fact, when you go about your day in a fog and are always sleepy, you can begin to make potentially dangerous mistakes, and your short term memory is often clouded and dysfunctional. Drinking a cup of chamomile tea before bed can help you fall asleep faster, sleep deeply, and allow your brain to encode and process information while your body is at rest. This will allow you to wake up feeling rested and refreshed and boost your memory throughout the workday.
Walnuts
As we’ve already established, a diet high in healthy fat means a healthier mind. Walnuts are a great source of protein and healthy fat, including omega-3 fatty acids that can lead to improved cognitive function and memory. Plus, they are are a great source of various other vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help in promoting mental alertness.
Dark chocolate
Good news for chocolate lovers everywhere. This delicious treat has transitioned from indulgent guilty pleasure to a true brain boosting powerhouse. Healthy dark chocolate is an excellent source of caffeine and antioxidants. And the flavonoids in chocolate enhance memory and slow mental decline.
Pumpkin seeds
You have probably never given pumpkin seeds much thought. However, if you are looking to improve your memory and increase brain health, you’ll want to add them to your diet. Pumpkin seeds provide a wealth of essential nutrients, all of which play an important role in brain health, including magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper.
Coconut oil
In case you thought there was something coconut oil couldn’t do, we’re here to prove you wrong. Yes, along with its laundry list of physical health benefits and the myriad of uses, coconut oil can also increase memory.
Beets
Though beets are often overlooked, they actually possess potent health benefits and should be incorporated int your diet as much as possible. They can boost blood flow to the brain, get rid of toxins, and are a fantastic source of antioxidants. All of which contribute to their serious brain and memory boosting capabilities.
-Susan Patterson