Fighting Memory Loss
Memory loss is a common complaint among people of all ages, and it is often a normal side effect brought on by stress, multitasking, being distracted or even getting older. However, losing your glasses (on top of your head) or forgetting your cell phone (in your pocket) does not have to be a common occurrence. The following foods are excellent for memory loss, and they are often touted as brain food by scientists and researchers.
The best foods for your brain are those that are packed with nitrates, antioxidants, B-vitamins and other compounds like lycopene, resveratrol and more. Some of these have anti-inflammatory properties, others will increase circulation and blood flow to the brain, and still others help to fight off the free radicals that can cause us to age and become more forgetful than ever.
This is a broad category, but the truth is that every single fruit, vegetable and nut out there is good for the brain in one way or another. There are cells in our brains called neurons that are incredibly susceptible to damage from little molecules known as free radicals. Essentially, these molecules attack the brain in the same way that the outside air attacks a freshly-cut apple and turns it brown. Antioxidants that are found in almost every fruit, vegetable and nut on the planet bind to these free radicals so that they can no longer oxidize our brains. In fact, three of the most potent antioxidants in Vitamin C, Vitamin E and selenium are found in their highest concentrations in these foods.
Blueberries are amazingly delicious in the summertime when they are in season; however, there are a lot of benefits to stocking up or even buying them frozen from your favorite grocer all year round. These delicious blue pearls contain high concentrations of anthocyanins, which are the compounds that give these berries their beautiful color. Scientists have discovered that these anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that can enhance memory significantly, aid in slowing the aging process, and even help the body when it comes to developing brand new brain cells.
Salmon and Mackerel
The brain itself, like the rest of the human body, is composed mostly of water. However, it is also made up of plenty of different fats. Healthy fats are a staple in healthy diets, since they provide the brain with the building blocks that it needs to stay healthy and function optimally. Salmon and mackerel are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which go a long way toward reducing inflammation throughout the body and increasing blood flow to the brain. When this occurs, you will undoubtedly find that you are able to think more clearly, focus without effort, and remember things that you may have not been able to remember previously.
Eggs are one of the few foods that are known to contain a substance called choline, which is a compound that mimics vitamins and allows cells, including brain cells, to function properly. During the development of the human fetus, choline is required to boost the formation of the hippocampus the part of the brain responsible for forming, storing and recalling memories. The yolks of eggs also contain high levels of Vitamin B12, which has been shown to destroy certain toxic compounds in the bloodstream that can lead to lowered brain function, memory loss, premature aging, fatigue and a host of other symptoms.
While an apple a day may not keep the doctor away (as the adage goes), it just might help you boost your memory and your ability to focus. The skin of apples contains a substance that is known as quercetin, an antioxidant that may be more potent than even Vitamin C when it comes to preventing the oxidation of brain cells by free radicals. So, go ahead and enjoy your apple slices; just make sure that you consume the skin too.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that is common in some households and not so common in others, but it should be a staple in everyone's diet. It is a bright yellow spice that is well known for its presence in Indian curries, but it can be incorporated into a number of other meals as well. It gets its color from the compound, which is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to restrict the formation and collection of amyloid in the brain. Amyloid is a gummy substance that can essentially clog the pathways between neurons and synapses, thereby causing memory loss.
Although everyone knows that oats, fiber and whole grains are good for digestion and the heart, very few people understand just how much these simple foods can boost the memory. When we consume fiber and whole grains such as oats, it helps our bodies evenly distribute glucose (sugar) into the bloodstream, much like consuming a time-released pill. Since the brain needs a slow, steady stream of sugar to work as it should, a diet rich in these foods can help to make sure the brain gets the fuel it needs in the right concentrations all throughout the day. This can also help to fight fatigue, headaches and more.
One can never go wrong with spinach, kale, other leafy greens and lentils. This is because all of these foods contain folate as well as Vitamins B6 and B12. The combination of these lowers the amount of the compound, which an amino acid that is found in the blood and has been linked to people who suffer from dementia. Essentially, the more of these vitamins and folate that is in your bloodstream, the more likely you are to remember even the smallest details.
Memory loss to a small degree is quite common, and is actually no need for concern. The foods listed here can help all of us remember more things more often, focus with less effort, and even feel more awake and alert throughout the day.