Foods That Fuel Your Memory

Our bodies are made up of complex systems that are interconnected in more ways than one. 

One example of this is how our gut and brain communicate to one another. The two work together to ensure that our mind and body function to the best of their ability. In sum, the healthier our gut (i.e. the cleaner the foods we eat) the better our brain will function. 

Food supplies our bodies with essential nutrients – vitamins, minerals, good fats, antioxidants, and fiber (to name a few). When we flood our bodies with sufficient amounts of these nutrients, we not only boost our energy levels, but we trigger the production of different hormones, many of which positively impact our cognitive functions like memory.

Typically, we view memory loss as a bi-product of aging; something that is inevitable and irreversible. While this is true in some cases, memory is not an uninfluenced function. The foods that we eat have a direct impact on our memory. 

Be sure to include the following nutrients into your diet to preserve and protect your memory along with other essential cognitive functions! 

OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS

Incorporating omega 3s into your diet is a great way to protect, preserve, and optimize cognitive functions. The go-to way to do this is to enjoy a healthy amount of fatty fish. From salmon and sardines to mackerel and cod, there are countless flavorful and fishy ways to flood your body with the omega 3s that it needs! 

ANTIOXIDANTS

While antioxidants pose numerous benefits to our mind and body, memory optimization is high on the list. If you consume foods with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects like blueberries, turmeric, and broccoli, you are sure to give your brain a boost. 

CURCUMIN

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric and has the capability of directly entering the brain (directly benefiting your brain cell). This brain-boosting ingredient has been examined thoroughly, with studies showing that curcumin increases brain cell generation, improves memory of those suffering from Altziemers, and boosts serotonin and dopamine levels, in turn having a positive impact on those suffering from depression. 

MINERALS: ZINC, MAGNESIUM, COPPER, IRON

While these nutrients may sound as if they belong on a periodic table, in reality, they are essential nutrients for your brain, impacting everything from nerve signaling and memory to overall brain function and the likelihood of suffering from neurological diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. Lucky for you, you can get all of these essentials in your diet by simply eating pumpkin seeds. On top of being antioxidants, pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, magnesium, copper, and iron. 

CAFFEINE

Caffeine, a leading component of coffee and dark charlotte (two of the world’s most cherished goods). Studies of both coffee and dark chocolate have captured solid connections between the consumption of these tasty drinks and sweets and one’s ability to concentrate, mood, and memory. 

VITAMIN C 

Our mental health is closely linked to Vitamin C levels in our body. While oranges are a fantastic way to get your daily recommended amount of Vitamin C, there are countless ways to do so, including kiwis, bell peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, and kale!  Like many antioxidant-rich foods, foods rich in Vitamin C have been studied to show a positive correlation between levels of Vitamin C and memory function.