Good nutrition is a vital part of living a healthy lifestyle. The effects of eating right, along with physical activity are many, not the least of which is optimal brain performance. When people consider ways to improve memory, the most common methods looked to are brain exercises, stress relief, enhancing concentration, and even supplements. Having a diet rich in foods that are known to boost memory is an easy and healthful way to get the most out of your brain while also being quite beneficial to your body.
A diet rich in antioxidants is definitely a plus. Antioxidants rid the body of harmful free radicals which can damage cells and cause a variety of health problems over time. Not the least of these problems are decreased brain function and memory troubles.
Here are some foods that can keep your brain healthy and enhance your concentration and memory power.
Blueberries: Numerous studies have been done on blueberries and have shown that it works wonders when it comes to keeping the brain healthy and improving memory. Blueberries have anthocyanin in them which is a powerful ingredient for boosting memory. Blueberries also have other important ingredients that can keep your brain healthy and protected from trouble.
Spinach: Spinach is high in folic acid and can not only prevent memory loss but can also reverse the process. This is a powerful ingredient which is used in supplements against Alzheimer's disease. A simple intake of half a cup of cooked spinach every day can meet your daily requirements of folic acid.
Fish: People have been using fish oil rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for their beneficial effects on the brain. Studies have shown that the intake of these essential fatty acids improves overall brain function, boosts IQ and improves visual processing. There is also a significant cardiovascular benefit as well. Due to concern about mercury levels, though, it is recommended that you limit the intake of fish to no more than twice a week.
Grapes: it does not matter whether you choose red, green or black; all of them have a good amount of anthocyanin and quercetin in them. Red wine can also give you high concentration of phytochemicals, provided that you consume them in a limited amount.
Onions: Red onions can give you high levels of quercetin and anthocyanin, which again are considered as an age-old remedy to boost memory. Yellow and white onions also have high concentration of quercetin.
Eggplant: High levels of the antioxidants anthocyanin and nasunin can be found in eggplant.
Apples: Apples contain a powerful antioxidant that has been observed to guard against Alzheimer's disease. Apples have high levels of quercetin, which is a powerful ingredient to increase memory. This antioxidant ingredient can be found in the flesh of the apple, but the most part of this can be found in the skin.
Beets: Beets are a good source of folic acid and anthocyanin, which is great for improving memory.
Broccoli: Broccoli has a fantastic array of vitamins and is an especially good source of folic acid.
Along with the foods listed above, you could also opt for other choices like black currant, sweet potato, asparagus, kale and cantaloupe, all of which have beneficial properties. These can also help in improving memory.
Adopting a brain-healthy diet is the simplest way to not only prevent memory loss but to also ensure a healthy mind for years to come.