Do you find yourself forgetting a lot of things? Wish there was some way to help improve your memory? Well look no farther than what you’re putting in your mouth! Studies have shown that a heart-healthy diet is crucial to the health of your memory, and have pinpointed specific foods to help you in this endeavor.
These foods contain chemical compounds called flavanoids. Flavanoids are what gives fruits and leafy vegetables their color, and there are two of them that go as far as supporting memory function— anthocyanins and quercetin. These two flavanoids can be found in blueberries, apples, and red onions, among many other foods. Folate and omega-3 fatty acids are also amongst the nutrients that have been found in helping improve your memory.
- Berries provide some of the highest concentrations of antioxidants amongst fruits. One study shows that eating blueberries helps spatial memory and learning.
- Fatty fish provide a huge amount of omega-3’s. A study at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago shows that those who ate fish at least once a week had a 10 percent slower memory decline than those who did not eat fish, a difference that gave them the memory and thinking ability of a person three years younger.
- You will find that leafy greens, such as spinach and collard greens, have copious amounts of folate. A study done at Tufts University in Boston shows that folate provides a protective effect against memory decline.
Try incorporating these foods into your diet, and keep life’s unforgettable moments safely stored away.