Brain Power Tips

Your diet is important to every part of your body.  You need to provide energy to your limbs, tissues and organs every day.  But did you know that you can also use food to improve memory?  By changing up what you eat, you can increase your mental power along with physical strength.

B vitamins are necessary for a healthy circulatory system.  They prevent dehydration and promote blood flow.  For your memory to work at peak efficiency, your brain needs plenty of oxygen.  This oxygen is delivered by the blood, and a healthy heart means healthy blood pressure.  You can find vitamin B12 in liver, eggs, nuts and shellfish.  Vitamins B6 and B9 are found in grain products like bread, pasta and cereal.  Grains also provide the energy your body needs to work.

Antioxidants stop other molecules in your body from oxidizing.  This allows the cells in your body to repair themselves.  Cells suffering from oxidative stress (meaning they produce too much oxygen) are commonly found in diseases that affect the mind such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease.  Fortunately, antioxidants are readily available in fresh fruits and vegetables.  Mediterranean countries where fruits and vegetables make up a greater portion of the diet report fewer instances of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Fish, which contain Omega-3 fatty acids are another useful food to improve memory.  Relative to other nutrients, researchers are just beginning to understand the importance of Omega-3′s.  Most notably, the body can not produce these fats; they must be obtained in food.  What do they do?  Their main function is to promote healthy growth, allowing cells to regenerate and repair themselves.  They can also reduce the risk of heart disease from blocked arteries.

By incorporating these into your diet, you will quickly see just how easy it is to use food to improve memory.  Try substituting salmon for your steak next time!

Short Term Memory Improvement – Can it Be Done?