Can I Improve My Memory: Anne Richardson takes memory test
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
The foods you eat can be vital in keeping your brain healthy, which in turn can benefit overall functions, such as concentration and memory. While certain forms of memory loss can naturally occur as a part of ageing, ensuring you are eating a healthy diet could help maintain your brain’s strength.
Your brain works for you around the clock, with neutrons firing information even while you sleep.
Much like a car engine, your body needs fuel to operate, and what you eat can have a direct impact on the performance of your vital organs.
The brain, in particular, requires “high-quality fuel” in order to perform at its best, according to experts from Frederick Health.
The experts state: “Foods with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants nourish your brain and protect it from oxidative stress, which is is an imbalance between the production of free radicals (molecules with one or more unpaired electron) and antioxidants (substances that neutralise or remove free radicals by donating an electron) in the body, which can lead to cell and tissue damage.”
Similarly, low quality food, such as refined sugar or processed foods, can diminish your brain’s ability to work at peak performance.
While studies in this field, known as nutritional psychiatry, are still expanding and learning more over time, there are some foods that experts claim to have a positive impact on the brain.
Here are five foods you can incorporate into a healthy diet to help boost your brain health.
Fatty fish
Fish, and fatty fish in particular, is known for promising several health benefits, including boosting heart health and circulation,
This is due to the high levels of omega-3s the seafood contains.
However, according to experts, these omega-3s can also play a crucial role in keeping your brain ticking along in top condition.
Studies have found that omega-3s could slow age-related mental decline and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The brain also uses omega-3s to build brain and nerve cells which, again, are crucial for memory and learning.
DON’T MISS
Pfizer booster shot: The ‘unexpected’ side effect after third dose [INSIGHT]
How to live longer: The tasty snack that can ‘starve cancer’ [ADVICE]
Pfizer booster vaccine: The ‘severe’ side effect that may follow jab [COMMENT]
Blueberries
Blueberries are packed full of anthocyanins, a group of plant compounds that deliver antioxidant effects.
Antioxidants are useful in easing oxidative inflammation and stress which, according to a 2020 study, can contribute to brain ageing and neurodegenerative diseases.
Another clinical review of 11 studies found that blueberries could improve memory in both children and older adults.
Broccoli
Broccoli, much like blueberries, is jam-packed with antioxidants, thus boasting many similar brain benefits.
Furthermore, broccoli is also rich in vitamin K.
Vitamin K can help during the formation of sphingolipids, the fat which is packed into brain cells.
As a result, this can help with memory function, according to a 2016 study.
The study claims: “Increased dietary vitamin K intake is associated with less severe subjective memory complaint among older adults”.
Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is often seen as a “healthier” alternative to its creamy counterpart milk chocolate.
Though eating too much chocolate is not recommended for a balanced diet, incorporating moderate amounts could actually prove beneficial for your brain.
As well as antioxidants dark chocolate and cocoa powder also contain caffeine and flavonoids which have been found to boost brain health.
Flavonoids are a group of antioxidant plant compounds.
They can gather in parts of the brain that focus on learning and memory, and research suggests they could actually slow down age-related mental decline.
One 2016 study found that out of 900 people, those who ate chocolate more often performed better in a series of mental tasks, compared with people who rarely consumed it.
Nuts
Nuts are known for being rich in healthy fats. According to research, these healthy fats could be linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline in elderly adults.
Furthermore, according to a 2016 study, the vitamin E content of nuts is thought to slow mental decline by warding off free-radical damage.
Source: Read Full Article