Apr 28, 2016 04:25 AM EDT
Food For Memory: Are There Really Such Things As Memory Enhancing Foods?

In every field of human endeavor, a good memory is always necessary. This is the reason why memory enhancing food supplements or pills have become so popular in recent years. However, unknown to many, there are food for memory improvement that eating them would have the same effect as taking these questionable memory enhancing food supplements.

1.Wild Salmon, herring, mackerel and other oily fish - for their omega 3 fatty acids.

There have been conflicting studies in the past regarding omega 3's benefit as a memory enhancing nutrient. However, a recent MIDAS study which involved 485 aging participants with memory problems concluded that those who took omega 3 supplements for a mere 24 week period showed significantly higher scores in memory tests as compared to those who took placebo, reports Daily Mail.

This finding shows once again that omega 3 acids are essential in maintaining a healthy memory. In addition, the fatty acids have been proven to be beneficial for heart health.

2.Nuts and seeds - for their vitamin E content.

Everyone knows nuts are healthy but there is another reason why one needs to include them in one's daily diet. Nuts, because of their high vitamin E content, have a very important function in mental health; they can actually protect one from dementia. In fact, a Harvard study found that those who take vitamin E and C supplements had 88 percent lower incidence of vascular dementia compared to those who did not take the supplements.

Walnuts, Brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, flax seed, peanuts and sunflower seeds are among the foods that could enhance one's memory due to their vitamin E content. When buying nuts, it is also best to consider their overall salt content because some products might contain considerable amounts of sodium due to their preparation.

3.Flavonoids-rich foods.

Flavonoids are known to reverse age-related memory decline. A study cites the flavonoid subgroups flavanols, anthocyanins and flavanones in particular to have the greatest potential in improving memory.

The good thing is that flavonoids are most commonly found in healthy food items like apples, berries,citrus, vegetables, wine and tea according to RSC. This underscores the importance of including fresh fruits and vegetables in one's diet because these are also good for maintaining optimal health not only mentally but physically as well. And for chocolate lovers, flavonoids from cocoa count as well. Just make sure to opt for dark chocolates to avoid excessive sugar content.

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