One of the most common health problems you may experience when you grow older is memory loss. Many aging people suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Although there is no cure for these, there are still things you can do to boost your memory. One of these is adding brain foods for mature adults to your daily diet.
The brain is one of the most significant parts of the human body. Because it controls the beating of the heart and the breathing of the lungs, it is also only right to take care of it. In addition to health and wellness activities that you can engage in, healthy food keeps the brain healthy and improve functions such as memory retention and mental concentration. Below are some important brain foods for the improvement of memory.
Blueberries
Blueberries are superfoods for mature adults mainly because they have antioxidants that boost the immune system. However, this is not the only benefit that antioxidants are known for. They pile up in the brain. Also, they improve the communication between brain cells. Blueberries also boost the brain cells’ sensitivity. Lastly, they lessen the risk of short-term memory loss.
Eggs
Eggs are rich in vitamins B6 and B12, folate, and choline, which are vital in boosting brain functions. These nutrients are associated with memory retention and reduced depression. Therefore, if you want to improve the health of your brain, just have some eggs.
Green Tea
Caffeine improves brain function and this is very much present in green tea. It also boosts the overall health of the brain and makes it more alert and focused. Green tea is also proven to improve memory retention. Aside from caffeine, L-theanine is found in green tea. This amino acid boosts brain GABA activities that aid in reducing anxiety and foster a relaxed state of mind. Like other brain foods, it has antioxidants that prevent mental decline and lessen the occurrence of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Salmon
Salmon has been proven, through research, to contain nutrients that delay memory decline. It contains fatty acids like DHA or docosahexaenoic acid, which is the most abundant fatty acid in the brain. The amount of DHA in the blood is directly proportional to brain function. The higher the DHA, the more effective and efficient the brain works. The lower the DHA, the poorer the brain memory becomes. Apart from salmon, other fish rich in fatty acids are tuna, sardines, and halibut. You may use these fish, as well, in your diet.
Walnut
Although walnut is known to improve heart health, it is still considered brain food. How is this possible? It’s because a healthy heart equates to a healthy brain. Based on studies, walnuts have nutrients, such as vitamin E, that improve cognition and combat neurodegenerative diseases. In another research, it was found out that women who eat this type of nut regularly, develop more honed memories in old age in comparison to those who don’t. Walnuts also have healthy fats and antioxidants, which are also beneficial to the brain.
With these brain foods for you and your loved ones, you are sure to have better brain functions. You can improve your memory retention. What are you waiting for? Start adding them to your diet now. If you are in a senior living community, you are sure to get the nutrients that you need when dining with them.
