6 Foods That May Help Boost Your Memory

Like our body, our memory too weakens with age. Cognitive degenerative diseases like dementia or Alzheimer's are therefore most common in elder folks. So how does one prevent the loss of memory? Scientists across the globe have been studying various ways to understand cognitive degeneration and come up with effective ways to treat it. According to a latest study done by researchers from University of Toronto, the use of action and consequence to remember objects could help older people suffering from cognitive decline.

In the memory tests, they found that imagining an action between two objects, such as the umbrella lodged in the door lock and a potential consequence, such as being unable to unlock the door, helped a great deal. The results revealed that an action and consequence between two objects makes it far easier to keep them in mind. There are many other tests that are underway to understand memory and cognition.

Keeping aside the scientific, there are certain ways we can boost our memory too right from the early years to prevent cognitive degeneration in the later years. Much like physical activities that are vital for our good health and well-being, our brain needs exercising too to stay sharp and active. So engaging in brain exercises is a great way to start. There are certain foods too that could help boost memory -

1. Peppermint Tea

According to a study done by Northumbria University in Britain, peppermint teat can improve long-term and working memory in healthy adults. The findings showed that participants who took peppermint tea showed significant improvement in long term memory, working memory and alertness compared to others who took chamomile tea and hot water.

2. Green Tea

Scientists have also found that green tea is good for the brain. Its chemical properties affect the production of brain cells, improving memory and spatial learning. The study conducted by an University in China focused on the organic chemical EGCG, (epigallocatechin-3 gallate) a key property of green tea. While EGCG is a known antioxidant, the team believed it can also have a beneficial effect against age-related degenerative diseases by impacting the generation of neuron cells, a process known as neurogenesis.

3. Blueberries

Known as a superfood, this little berry is a powerful source of antioxidants and Vitamin C. Various studies have brought to light the beneficial effects of blueberries for heart health and diabetes. A study done by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences also found that blueberries can help in reverting ageing, improving vision and memory.

4. Chocolate and Red Wine

While red wine has been found to be significantly beneficial for its anti-ageing properties, dark chocolate has become popular as a superfood due to its high content of flavonoids. According to a study done by Charite-Universitatsmedizin Berlin in Germany, red wine and dark chocolate can boost your memory. Both are a good source of resveratrol which assists in maintaining sharp memory.

5. Milk

A research conducted at the University of Kansas Medical Center found a link between milk consumption and the levels of the naturally-occurring antioxidant glutathione in the brain in older adults. The findings suggest that drinking milk could improve the functions of the brain. Researchers found that participants who had indicated they had drunk milk had higher levels of glutathione in their brains. This is important because glutathione could help stave off oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is associated with a number of different diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

6. Following Mediterranean Diet

A study done by Swineburne University found that a Mediterranean diet can improve your cognitive function and reduce chances of Alzheimer. A Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) includes plant-based foods such as leafy greens, fresh fruit and vegetables, cereals, beans, seeds, nuts, and legumes. Dairy products and red meat are used less while olive oil is its major source of fat.