Memory-Boosting Foods

Critical for everyday functions, memory is a skill that requires support. You can improve your memory with practices such as recollection activities or by consuming certain foods that provide the brain with various vitamins and nutrients that enhance blood flow. Incorporate the following foods into your diet to boost brain function and maintain memory skills.

Oily Fish
Oily fish varieties are filled with a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids, a significant building block of the brain. The brain utilizes omega-3s to form brain and nerve cells, which are essential for comprehension and memory. Studies have found that omega-3s also increase blood flow in the brain and boost cognition and thinking abilities. Try incorporating more oily fish with high levels of omega-3s into your diet such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, trout and sardines.

Avocado
Avocado is a key powerhouse green that’s packed with monounsaturated fats. Also known as “good fats,” monounsaturated fats produce acetylcholine, the chemical responsible for memory and learning. Cognitive decline is a result of high blood pressure, and these fats are also known to help reduce blood pressure and improve cognitive abilities. Avocados contain high levels of vitamin K and folate that help enhance cognitive function and reduce the risk of blood clots in the brain, protecting against stroke and keeping your mind focused.

Nuts and Seeds
Containing a plethora of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, nuts and seeds are excellent foods that support brain health. Their vitamin E content is believed to protect cells from oxidative stress, which can significantly refine brain function, especially as you age. Consume your favorite nuts and seeds more often, or try varieties with high amounts of vitamin E including sunflower seeds, almonds and hazelnuts.

Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate has elevated levels of flavonoids (powerful antioxidants) that contribute to improved memory function and sensory processing. Flavonoids promote neuron and blood vessel growth in parts of the brain involved in memory and learning. They also increase blood flow to the brain, promote the formation of new neurons and enhance neuron functions and connections. To receive the memory-boosting benefits of dark chocolate, consume moderate amounts regularly.