Memory-Improving Foods

Memory problems affect many people. These problems become serious when they get into their day-to-day activities, like the trouble remembering how to do certain things that they have already done for many times in the past. People who must be suffering from memory loss should consult a doctor if, aside from forgetting  how to do things they used to do, they experience any or all of the following conditions: (a) Forgetting things more often than before, (b) Having trouble learning new things, and (c) Failure to keep track of daily work. Doctors say these are symptoms of Alzheimer’s diseases, a degenerative disease of the central nervous system characterized by premature mental deterioration, which must be dealt with properly and early. One way to deal with this memory disease is getting foods with Omega 3 fatty acids that are known to beneficial to brain health. Fish is rich source of Omega 3 like salmon, tuna, halibut, trout, mackerel, herring and sardines. Other sources of Omega 3 are walnuts, flaxseed oil, ground flaxseed, soybeans and pumpkin seeds.

Some fruits and vegetables protect brain cells from damage, especially the colourful ones which are excellent sources of antioxidants, as some green leafy vegetables. These include broccoli, spinach, Romaine lettuce, Swiss chard, and arugula, otherwise known as Garden Rocket, a European herb of the mustard family. The fruits that are good for the brain include red grapes, mangoes, oranges, apricots, watermelon and cantaloupe, a type of muskmelon. There are other foods that help improve memory and blood circulation, and boost energy at the same time. These are asparagus, blueberries, black currants, sweet potatoes, cherries, red cabbage, tomatoes, strawberries, radishes, raisins, plums, beets, and red pepper. Most nutritionists agree that eating plenty of vegetables and fruits that are rich in nutrients and antioxidants is the most reliable way to protect the brain cells of the aging person. Blueberries and blackberries are said to be the best for sharpening of the brain as they are particularly rich in antioxidants. Extra vitamins also help improve memory and are linked to healthy brain function. These vitamins include Vitamin C, iron, beta carotene, B12, zinc and folic acid, which are also used in the treatment of nutritional anemia.

The other foods recommended to help improve memory are apples, onions, red beets, grapes, eggplant and rosemary. Apples contain high levels of antioxidant that helps prevent one from getting Alzheimer’s disease. Onions, especially the red ones, contain anthocyanin and quercetin, a yellow crystalline antioxidant pigment. Red beets are a good source of folic acid, while grapes also contain quercetin. Eggplants, which some people ignore, are a good source of anthocyanin and antioxidants that protect the lipids in brain cell membranes. Rosemary, a fragrant shrubby mint used in cooking, is said to be a neuroprotective acid and also prevents Alzheimer’s disease and other degenerative brain disorders.

What is important in improving your memory is to eat foods packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can stimulate your immune system and keep your mental motor running at the same time.