Diet plays a crucial role in brain health. The brain requires the right type of nutrients for optimum function. Research indicates that certain foods can be beneficial for stimulating brain function and preventing age-related memory loss and memory diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
Salmon
Fernando Gomez-Pinilla led a team of researchers from the University of California who reviewed the literature regarding how food affects brain function. They found that omega-3 fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, play a crucial role in protecting the brain from damage and boosting cognitive abilities. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids improve brain function by increasing the expression of molecules that enhance learning and memory on synapses, areas that connect neurons in the brain, according to research reported in the July 2008 issue of the journal "Nature Reviews Neuroscience." Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids such as walnuts, kiwi fruit and walnuts into your daily diet.
Blueberries
Blueberries' high content of antioxidants might improve memory. Robert Krikorian and colleagues investigated the impact of blueberries on memory in older adults. Participants in their 70s with early memory decline were assigned to blueberry juice or a placebo beverage for two months. At the end of the study, scientists observed that the blueberry juice group showed significant improvement in memory tests compared with the placebo group, according to research published in the January 2010 issue of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry."
Olive Oil
Consuming unsaturated fats might be effective for boosting memory. Scientists at the University of California Irvine found that the digestion of oleic acids, which are found in unsaturated fats, produce oleoylethanolamide, which activates memory signals in the part of the brain responsible for emotional events. Further research is needed regarding the relationship between unsaturated fats and memory, according to the Health News website. Unsaturated fats rich in oleic acid include olive oil and avocado.
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