Memory boosting foods are an essential part of everyone's diet. While consuming foods that improve memory and concentration is particularly beneficial for students, these foods benefit everyone. Our brain is arguably the most important organ in our body. It controls all essential functions, from helping us do basic motor movements such as moving our hands or legs to helping us sleep. Our brain is responsible for more complex mental processes, including imagination, perception, attention, memory, information processing and emotions. Moreover, the brain is at the core of higher-order functions such as decision-making, critical thinking, comprehension and communication, which are distinguishing characteristics of human beings. Eating foods that enrich your brain is essential for good physical and mental health.
Best Foods for Brain Power
While memory boosting foods can enrich and boost your memory, they also play a vital role in maintaining brain health. Superfoods for the brain are often rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin B (complex), choline and magnesium. These vitamins and minerals play a vital role in maintaining brain health. Nutrients for brain health can be easily obtained from foods and other natural ayurvedic medicines.
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Almonds
Almonds are one of the best dry fruits for the brain. They are rich in riboflavin (vitamin B2). Vitamin B influences the development of neurotransmitters in the brain. The benefits of almonds for brain also include its ability to elevate levels of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine (ACh). Low levels of acetylcholine have been associated with memory issues, symptoms of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and dementia. Low levels of ACh may also affect sleep patterns.
Moreover, benefits of almonds for brain include its ability to improve cognition. Almonds are rich in vitamin E, which may support cognition in older people. Almonds are one of the best superfoods for the brain and can easily be included in your daily diet. Simply soak a handful of almonds overnight and consume daily!
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Walnuts
Along with almonds, walnuts are one of the best dry fruits for the brain. Walnuts are an excellent source of copper and manganese. They are also rich in vitamin B6, thiamine, magnesium and folate. Folate is a vital nutrient for brain health and development. Low levels of folate affect cognitive processes and increase the risk of dementia. Walnut brain benefits include improving cognitive function and potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzeihmer’s and Parkinson’s disease . Walnuts are also rich in polyunsaturated fats, which is vital for brain health.
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Leafy Green Vegetables
Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, methi and amarnath have numerous health benefits and are some of the best Indian foods to increase memory power. They are high in antioxidants and vitamins, including riboflavin, folate and Vitamin K. Vitamin K may prevent cognitive decline and boost memory. It also helps regulate calcium in the body and brain. Moreover, green leafy vegetables are rich in fibre and good for overall health.
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Dark Chocolate
Memory boosting foods are not always boring! Regular consumption of dark chocolate for brain health is one of the best and easiest additions to your daily diet. Dark chocolate has relatively low amounts of sugar, making daily consumption safe. Dark chocolate may increase blood flow to the brain and may boost functions such as learning and memory.
The benefits of dark chocolate for brain health may also include reducing the risk of dementia.
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Brahmi
Brahmi is an ayurvedic memory boosting food and a super food for the brain. Brahmi may help reduce inflammation, prevent anxiety and stress and improve memory. It has antioxidant properties and protects against cell damage. Regular consumption of brahmi may help improve cognitive functioning and delay cognitive decline. It is one of the most effective foods that improve memory and concentration, and it may reduce mental fatigue. Natural and ayurvedic brahmi medicines can be consumed to improve brain health and memory.
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Avocados
Avocados are one of the best brain boosting foods for students. They are rich in healthy fats which are vital for brain development, memory, attention and overall brain health. Avocados are also rich in vitamin E, folate, potassium and niacin - all essential nutrients for brain health. Avocados can easily be incorporated into your diet for brain health; spread it on toast, blend it up to make a salad dressing or include it in your smoothie.
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Soy Products
Soy is an excellent vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids, folate and choline. Omega-3 is a vital nutrient for brain health as it improves learning ability, cognition, memory and blood flow to the brain. Omega-3 helps preserve cell membrane health and is essential for communication between cells in the brain. Moreover, soy products like soy milk, tofu, soy meat and soy yoghurt are good sources of protein which is essential for brain health and overall health.
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Fish
Fish is one of the best foods for a healthy mind. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin B2, calcium, iodine and magnesium. Omega-3 is an essential nutrient for brain health and plays a significant role in improving cognitive functions. Iodine is another essential nutrient for the brain, especially for children.
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Turmeric
Turmeric or haldi is known to be a superfood, and it is one of the best brain boosting foods for students. Turmeric is helpful in improving memory and attention, making it an easily available Indian food to increase memory power. Turmeric is beneficial for immunity, skin and overall health as well. It is used in most Indian dishes and can also be consumed in the form of natural haldi ayurvedic medicines.
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Berries
Berries, including blueberries, goji berries, strawberries and mulberries, are foods that sharpen the brain. Berries are rich in antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory in nature. They may protect brain cells from ageing. Blueberries are rich in vitamin K, a vital nutrient for brain health. Strawberries are a rich source of vitamin C and magnesium. Magnesium may help reduce the risk of dementia and help maintain the health of neurotransmitters. Moreover, berries are also low in calories and easy to include in your diet for brain health. They can be had along with other memory boosting foods such as dark chocolate and dry fruits.
Engaging in brain-stimulating exercises such as meditation, memory games, puzzles, and mental maths is vital to boost your brain power. Include these memory boosting foods in your diet along with stimulating activities to improve your memory, concentration and overall brain health!
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