Anything in our lives that is attached to our physical body probably can be influenced by food and exercise. In this post, I am exploring the relationship between nutrition and memory for the April 2018 A to Z Blog Challenge.
I probably need to start with a disclaimer that that the evidence base for this is not as strong as our intuition around this. I looked at a few sources such as Health, Forbes and the BBC.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids, especially DHA Found in fish, flax seeds, walnuts among other sources, DHA is important for brain function and development.
Vitamin E Sourced in healthy oils, seeds, nuts, green leafy vegetables and avocados vitamin E may protect neurons and nerve cells. Research shows that Alzeheimer’s Disease, which erodes memory, is marked by the death of neurons in selective areas of the brain.
Flavanoids, especially berries, apples, and citrus which removes toxins associated with loss of memory.
Vitamin B is believed to strengthen the proteins in our brains as we age. Good sources include eggs, spinach, bananas, chicken and mackerel.
Vitamin K, although associated with heart and bone health, some evidence suggests this may also prevent memory deterioration such as Alzheimers. Vitaman K is found in green vegetables such as Kale.
Red Wine–Do we really need a reason?
I will end with this common wisdom.
An apple a day, keeps the doctor away.
This simple phrase I’ve always heard seem to gain traction the more we know.
Do you have a favorite food that you thinks help boost your memory?
Research is forever trying to prove causation, and correlation is a sensible (if sometimes inaccurate) starting point. Sometimes, though, we just have to rely on common sense.
Eating right for the body is – of course! – going to include nutritional benefits to the brain, which is (gasp!) IN THE BODY. 😉
And by burning the nutritional calories consumed, specifically via bilateral-movement exercises, existing connections between the lobes are reinforced, which promotes healthy memory. 🙂
Research always seems to be contradicting itself, so common sense has got to the foundation of it all.