4 Types of Foods to Support Memory

When feeling forgetful it can be due to several reasons such as lack of sleep, genetics, lifestyle, level of physical activity, and environmental factors along with other reasons. Diet plays a part in the role of the brain and keeping it healthy. Researchers have found that the Mediterranean Diet may help with aging brains stay sharp. Evidence has linked foods that are in the Mediterranean Diet with better memory, staying more alert, and better cognitive function. 

Adding these foods into your diet can support memory and help the brain.

Vegetables: Getting a sufficient amount of vegetables in one’s diet such as cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and dark leafy greens they can help improve one’s memory. Try new foods that you may not typically pick such as a kale salad or when ordering a sandwich get collard greens as the tortilla. 

Berries and Cherries: Berries, especially dark colored berries such as blueberries and blackberries along with cherries have anthocyanins which are dark colored pigments found in plants and other flavonoids in the berries and cherries may support memory function. You can add berries and cherries into your meals by having them as a snack, adding them into your cereals, or even desserts. They can be fresh, frozen, or dried and still offer benefits to you.

Adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids or DHA are essential for brains health and may help improve memory. Some good sources of DHA include seafood, algae, and fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, and bluefin tuna. To get a healthy dose of DHA substitute other meats for fish once or twice a week. Fish can be grilled, baked, or broiled. If you do not eat fish, you can discuss other options for you with your doctor or registered dietitian. DHA can be taken in also by fish oil, seaweed, or microalgae supplements. 

Walnuts: May improve cognitive function and has a positive impact on heart health. They can be eaten as a snack, added into a salad, or in main meals.

These foods over time can support lifelong good health.

Source: https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthy-aging/4-types-of-foods-to-support-memory