Train Your Brain: 4 Foods That Can Help Improve Memory And Boost Brain Functioning
As you age, your brain function declines. It's just how the cycle of life works. However, there are ways you can slow this decline and help improve memory and overall brain functioning: food. There are certain foods that contain nutrients that can help in this department, including these four:
1. Leafy Greens
According to one study, eating more leafy greens can help slow cognitive decline. The study examined over 950 adults over the span of five years. Compared to the adults who ate zero servings, participants who consumed one or two servings of leafy greens per day had the brain function of an individual who was a remarkable 11 year younger. The nutrients in leafy greens that researchers determined to be the most helpful included vitamin K, folate, beta-carotene, and lutein.
2. Salmon
Did you know that over 66 percent of your brain is made up of DHA, which is an omega-3 fatty acid that you can find in salmon and other oily fish? This DHA helps to protect the brain from injury, reduces inflammation and more. As you get older, some of this DHA diminishes, which is what leads to cognitive decline, mood disorders, memory loss and even Alzheimer's. For that reason, you need to start adding more salmon to your diet – a couple of servings a week will suffice in terms of reducing your overall risk of brain-related disease and keeping your brain functioning at optimal capacity.
3. Berries
It is absolutely no secret that berries are good for you, especially with their high antioxidant levels. However, what you may not realize is that these tasty fruits may help reduce cognitive decline. According to one study, women who ate two or more servings of blueberries and strawberries were able to reduce the rate at which their memory declined. The more berries that were consumed, the more of a delay in memory decline. In fact, researchers found that the women who consumed more berries were able to reduce cognitive decline by as much as two and a half years.
4. Eggs
When you are plating your breakfast, make sure you have some eggs on there. Eggs contain a number of nutrients that are helpful in improving overall brain health, reducing Alzheimer's disease and reducing memory decline. These nutrients include choline, vitamin B-12 and vitamin D. Vitamin B-12 deficiencies has been shown to actually increase your risk of age- and brain-related diseases, such as memory loss and Alzheimer's. Vitamin D deficiencies have been connected to cognitive decline, Alzheimer's Parkinson's, dementia, etc.
When your memory does decline and you need assistance with daily activities, consider a local memory care facility such as Valley View Retirement Community where you can get the assistance that you need in a helpful, loving environment.