What types of food can improve one’s memory?

Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food (Hippocrates)

There is power and intention in this statement. I wonder how many people believe food is just there for our nourishment and pleasure only? Could it also have the function of improving our memory as well as our health? To that I say absolutely to both!

There are a few essential foods that are key to good brain health. They are;

1. High fat fish; Seafood (salmon, herring, Sardines & blue fin tuna) can be easily incorporated within a meal. If you want the absolute best for brain health, then go to your local fish mogul, and they will point you in the right direction when selected.
   Your brain uses omega 3 to build brain and nerve cells. These fats are essential for learning and memory. A slow degenerated disease like Alzheimer’s can be easily handled with some assistance in the kitchen. Not getting enough omega 3 is linked to learning impairment, as well as depression.
2. Berries. These little beauties guard against oxidative stress and inflammation. These factors contribute to the brain ageing. The antioxidants in blueberries accumulate in the brain and help clears the pathway of communication between the brain cells. Have them as a snack during the day, or put them into a green smoothie.
3. Broccoli. This is my most favourite and portable veggie! These contain fat-soluble vitamins that are essential for forming sphingolipids, this is a type of fat that’s densely packed into the brain cells. The reason for this is that broccoli contains high levels of vitamin K, that in fact has a number of compounds to give it an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. This may in fact protect the brain against damage. I like to have my broccoli with any kind of protein. It stores well in the fridge, and tastes great with pink salt and organic cold pressed olive oil! Add a bit of lemon juice for extra zing!
4. Nuts. Eating nuts can improve heart health. A healthy heart means a healthy brain! Vitamin K shields cell membranes from free radical damage, slowing down mental decline. The best kind of nuts to have are walnuts because they contain omega-3 fatty acids, but all kinds do provide very good benefits. Eat nuts as a snack, or top them on your oats and salads daily.
5. Eggs. If a you have been reading most of my posts, you will understand why I talk about eggs all the time! Here is yet another reason why they are amazing little nutrient bombs! They contain vitamin B6, B12, folate and choline. Choline is an important macronutrient that your body uses to create acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate good memory. A higher intake of Choline is linked to better memory and mental function. A single egg yolk contains 112mg of Choline. Deficiency in vitamins B, folate and B12 are linked to depression. Use eggs daily to regulate mood, and boost brain power.

As you can see, there are quite a few foods (and many more than this!) containing vitamins and minerals that improve brain function. Try them out in your diet, and see what it does for you.