Foods That Are Good For Improving Memory

Bettering the memory and increasing the concentration power is a centuries old dream of man. Even in ancient times our ancestors used to develop mental techniques to boost memory retention.

However, in recent times there is an urgent requirement for a way that will help us remember things better. These days an average person has so many things to remember – social security number, ATM pin, account numbers, internet passwords and so much more. The world has also become much more competitive and a child who can retain things better has better chances of proving himself/herself.

In this article we will tell you how to boost your memory effectively without resorting to any mental techniques or memory boosting pills. The secret of strong and lasting memory retention lies in foods. Yes, the answer to what we have been searching for since centuries has been quite simple.

Let’s take a look at the foods that are excellent for boosting the memory power. These foods have been fully recognized as powerful memory boosters by the scientific community as well.

Rosemary Herb As Memory Enhancer

Rosemary is a herb that is used mainly for flavoring pastas and pizzas. However, since ancient times rosemary has also been used for its many medicinal properties. It is most helpful in easing migraines and abdominal cramps. Not many people know that rosemary is often associated with remembrance.

The herb is rich in carnosic acid, which is an anti-oxidant. This anti-oxidant has the ability to dilate cerebral vascular tissues. Even the smell of rosemary acts as a potent memory enhancer.

In some cultures mothers spray rosemary essential oil in the study rooms of their children to help them prepare better for exams. Some other herbs that work well for boosting memory powers are ginseng, gotu kola and ginko. These three herbs help stimulate the neurotransmitters present in the brain to help get a clear understanding and thus retain better.

Tea As Memory Enhancer

Tea is an excellent beverage that has been around in various forms for centuries. Since ancient times people have been drinking infusion of tea leaves to calm and compose their minds. If had early in the morning, the tea is a refreshing drink that stimulates the nerves and prepares you for the long day ahead.

Tea is considered good for boosting memory because it has the potent combination of anti-oxidants and caffeine. Caffeine is known to kick start the brain. Therefore, many people who do night shifts are addicted to caffeine drinks like tea and coffee to help them remain up and about.

The anti-oxidants found in tea are termed as polyphenols. According to lab studies, the antioxidant polyphenol is extremely beneficial in improving brain function and in boosting the memeory. The amino acids found in tea, theanine, have a calming effect on the brain and the body and help in relaxing the mind. A relaxed mind is much more focused and alert.

Studies have revealed that tea contains ten times more polyohenols than fruits and vegetables do.

Fruits and Vegetables as Memory Enhancers

No list of good diet is complete without the mention of fruits and vegetables. A well-balanced, nutritious and healthy diet has a long list of fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods are extremely beneficial in the proper and healthy functioning of the human body. It is little wonder then that these foods have found a place in our list of memory enhancing foods as well.

When looking at foods for boosting the memory remember to include plenty of colors in your diet – red, blue, green and yellow will all give your brain the much needed boost.

Apples are red and also contain quercetin which is a chemical that helps fight memory loss. Anthocyanin is an anti-oxidant which prevents lapse in memory. The anti-oxidant is found in fruits like blueberries. Red onions and grapes are foods that contain both quercetin and anthocyanin.

Nasunin is a chemical compound found in eggplant and guards the lipids in the brain tissue against any kind of trauma or injury. Folic acid is another chemical compound that is helpful in preventing as well as treating memory loss.

Dark green vegetables like spinach, broccoli, green turnips lettuce and Brussels sprouts are some of the vegetables rich in folic acid. Folic acid is also important for the development of the brain and is hence given as a supplement to pregnant women.

Some other fruits and vegetables that also help enhance and improve the memory are watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, kiwi, olives, potatoes, cabbage, radishes and kale. These fruits and vegetables are also known to uplift moods and reduce depression and anxiety – the major causes of poor memory and loss of memory.

Fish and Nuts as Memory Enhancers

Fish and nuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are excellent for the development and functioning of the brain. The fatty acids are also present in the cell membranes of the brain and help with memory retention. Sardines are very high in omega-3 fatty acids and can be included in daily diet.

You can even take supplements of the fatty acids if you are not a fish person. Alternatively, you could also include flax seeds and flax seed oil in your daily diet to provide your body with sufficient quantity of omega-3 fatty acids.

Honey As Memory Enhancer

Honey is a syrupy and a thick liquid that has enjoyed the supreme position on our dining tables since centuries. It is an amazing substitute to sugar; it sweetens the food/drink just right but without imparting the extra calories that sugar does.

Taking two teaspoons of honey in the morning can greatly boost your memory power and help you retain things better. Honey also calms and soothes the nerves which makes it possible for the brain to remain focused and alert.

Honey can be added to your tea, milk, breakfast and even desserts. In some cultures a cup of tea along with honey-spread baklava (prepared using omega-3 fatty acids rich flax seeds) is given to students the night before an important exam.