Let’s face it, the older and busier we get, the more slowly our brain seems to move and the worse our memory gets. More and more often, I walk into a room and completely forget why I went in there in the first place. I “misplace” my keys or sunglasses on a near daily basis and every day I am more and more grateful that my phone has all my important contact information because couldn’t recall a close friend’s phone number if I needed to.
Slower memory is a normal part of aging, but the good news is that there are ways that we can maintain our memory longer, and even improve it once it’s begun to slip a bit. And the best news? We can do it through eating! Hello! I LOVE food! (wink!)
Often times, when we’re trying to improve our diet, we end up needing to go out and buy new and expensive foods – half of which we’ve never heard of and once we taste them, come to understand why. But that isn’t the case for aiding our memory. The best foods to help our brain are readily available, and more than likely you already eat or drink them on a regular basis.
1. Green tea
Green tea is made from unoxidized leaves, which require only minimal processing. And minimal processing means that it stays rich in antioxidants. Since water and green tea are both so good for you, just make a pitcher of green tea every morning and get to drinking. You’ll reap the benefits of staying hydrated, flushing your system and improving your memory.
2. Coffee
It appears that coffee aids in a phenomena called “the tip of the tongue syndrome”. Those moments where you know you know the answer to something, but you just can’t seem to bring it to mind so you say: “It’s on the tip of my tongue” -well, it appears that having caffeine in your system can help with that. Your brain is stimulated and more active, which means those “tip of the tongue” moments are fewer and far between.
3. Salmon
As we all know by now, salmon are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are vitally important to brain function, but also have an anti-inflamattory quality. Just make sure you purchase “wild-caught” salmon to ensure it’s pureness.
4. Beef
Red meat provides protein, iron and other vitamins and other minerals that are vital to the health of your brain. Just be sure to purchase grass fed, and don’t eat too much of it. Red meat is also high in saturated fat which has been shown to be unhealthy for your heart.
5. Blueberries or acai berries
Studies show that these little berries protect the brain from oxidative stress. Purchase organic fresh or frozen berries and pop them in your morning smoothie!
6. Quinoa
This great substitute for rice is rich in folic acid. It also packs a ton of iron, zinc and protein.
7. Greek Yogurt
Protein, calcium and healthy bacteria make greek yogurt a “yes” for brain health. Throw it in that blueberry smoothie of yours in the morning and you’ve got two brain building gems in one meal.
8. Eggs
Eggs are high in vitamin B-12 which is essential for brain health.
9. Cacoa
I saved the best for last! Yes, chocolate is good for your brain! Just be sure to purchase the chocolate with the highest amount of cacoa.
As you can see, a little bit of planning… living on purpose…. easily, yet greatly impact your memory. Next time you’re at the grocery store, stock up on these items and make them a regular part of your weekly menu.
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