There are so many things today designed to help seniors keep their minds sharp and improve their memory. Seniors are recommended to exercise, get a certain amount of sleep at night, and even play puzzles or brain games. While all of those things are helpful for your memory, many people are never told that improving your memory could be as easy as eating. Literally! There are certain foods that are rich in the right combination of vitamins and minerals that have been linked to improved memory.
Green Vegetables
Leafy vegetables like spinach, turnip greens, and kale are a few good choices that have plenty of vitamins B6 and C. Both of these vitamins have all been linked to lower levels of cognitive decline in seniors. If you aren’t much of a fan of leafy vegetables, try our personal favorite, broccoli. It has similar benefits and it’s a more versatile side, pairing well with most dishes.
Fish
Especially cold water fish. That includes salmon, mackerel, halibut and tuna, amongst others. These fish are full of omega-3 fatty acids. Don’t let the name scare you, this is the one fat you don’t want to avoid. Research has shown omega-3 fatty acids to have a positive impact on conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and you guessed it, memory loss. If you must avoid fish due to allergies, things like nuts, canola and vegetable oils, and even bean can be a good source of omega-3.
Berries and Fruits
We all know that old saying about berries. Well it turns out that not only are darker berries sweeter, but they’re also full of antioxidants. Antioxidants have many health benefits but the two benefits they’re most known for are its anti-aging effect. Yes that includes preventing or even reversing memory loss, but also preventing heart disease. There are some antioxidants in many fruits and vegetables, but the best source for them can be found in blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and strawberries.
Keep in mind, if you or a loved on suffers from memory loss, simply changing your diet shouldn’t be the end all be all. As mentioned before, exercise, sleep, and puzzles can all be helpful. Also, be sure to speak to your doctor to create the best plan for you.
