Memory can be a tricky thing. Sometimes it seems so easy to remember minute trivia, and other times, it’s difficult to remember where you put your keys. Most people have at one time or another tried to remember a name, a phone number or an important piece of information and been unable to. There are all sorts of tips and tricks for improving your memory, but did you know that your diet can have an impact on your memory?
The Building Blocks of Memory
Food provides the body with energy and the building blocks to perform the tasks necessary for life. The brain takes energy consumed through eating and uses it to construct new pathways. Memory is a part of this process, and a poor diet can provide the brain with the wrong sorts of building blocks.
Eating foods that contain higher amounts of saturated and trans fats may put you at greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s. Those who possess the apolipoprotein E gene show a higher concentration of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. These plaques contribute to the loss of brain cells and are specifically linked to Alzheimer’s.
Putting the right foods into your body can provide your brain with the nutrients it needs to function properly, but what are the right kinds of foods?
Seven Foods to Improve Memory
When eating to improve brain health and memory, it’s important to keep an open mind. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great source of vital nutrients and minerals.
Fats are also important for brain health, but you need to make sure you’re getting the right fats. Mono or polyunsaturated fats can undo a lot of the damage caused by saturated and trans fats.
Omega 3 fatty acids are also important for improving memory. They help with synaptic plasticity, which allows your brain to adapt more quickly, and they positively influence your ability to learn and remember.
While many foods are good memory builders, here are seven different brain foods that can help you improve your brain health:
- Blueberries
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Olive Oil
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Salmon
- Walnuts
Blueberries contain antioxidants and anthocyanins that can help increase memory function. Walnuts are also high in antioxidants, among other things, including omega 3 fatty acids. Salmon contains omega 3 fatty acids as well, making it a great alternative to red meat. Speaking of acids, cabbage contains folic acid that your body can use to protect memory.
Kale is another healthy choice, providing lots of vitamins and minerals that can help improve mental and physical health. Pumpkin seeds can add a nice crunch to your meal, and they contain zinc, an important mineral for increasing memory and cognitive abilities.
Olive oil is great for cooking or as a dressing, and it contains good unsaturated fat. Good fats are an important part of the body’s function because they provide energy and help absorb vitamins and minerals.
Keeping the Mind Sharp
The food you consume has an impact on your brain’s ability to process and remember information. Eating a brain food and being mindful of what you put into your body is important to keeping your mind healthy and active.
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