Food for Memory

Your brain is arguably the most important organ in your body. Your brain allows you to think and feel, have memories and feelings, and is the control center that manages and coordinates actions and reactions.

Keeping this in mind, we want to make sure we are doing our best to ensure brain health. One of the ways we can do this is through our diet, since the food we eat gives our bodies the vitamins and nutrients important to our overall physical function. Keep reading for a list of some of the best foods for memory and brain health.

Some of the Best Foods for the Brain

Fatty Fish – “Fatty,” or oily, fish are typically the first foods to be brought up when it comes to brain health. These types of fish, including salmon and tuna, contain significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. These fats help build membranes around the cells in your body, including brain cells.

Walnuts – Studies have shown that not only do nutrients like polyunsaturated fat and vitamin E in walnuts help reduce inflammation in your brain, but there is also a link between eating walnuts to better brain function. This includes more mental flexibility, faster processing speed and better memory.

Berries: These superfoods have a variety of health benefits, including improved brain health. Antioxidants found in berries contribute to improved communication between brain cells, reduced inflammation and a reduction in cognitive decline.

Egg: If you regularly eat eggs for breakfast, not only are you taking part in the most important meal of the day, but you’re also starting your morning off by helping your brain function! Eggs are a good source of several nutrients tied to brain health, especially choline.

Spinach: Spinach and other leafy greens, like kale, are superfoods filled with nutrients. Folate, iron, calcium and vitamins E and K help your brain health by reducing the onset of dementia in older adults.

Pumpkin Seed: Pumpkin seeds contain magnesium, iron, zinc and copper, which are four nutrients important for brain health. Zinc and copper help in nerve signaling, magnesium is essential for learning and memory, and iron deficiency is sometimes recognized as “brain fog.”
Some that may come as a surprise to you…

Dark Chocolate: Who knew that chocolate could be good for you? The cacao in dark chocolate contains flavonoids that seem to be good for the brain. According to one study, it was found that they may stimulate blood flow to the brain, as well as, encourage neuron and blood vessel growth in parts of the brain involved in memory and learning.

Coffee: Your daily cup of joe gives you a boost by encouraging you to stay awake and focused. The caffeine in coffee not only keeps your brain alert and able to process more information, but it is also a source of antioxidants that can reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Expand Your Mind with Springpoint

The food you eat isn’t the only way you’re able to encourage a healthy brain. Brain health is influenced by a variety of factors, and we encourage many of these things through activities and amenities offered at Springpoint communities. Whether it be healthy brain games like trivia and puzzles or a socialization opportunity over a delicious dinner, you’re able to help your brain health simply by participating in community activities and events.

Contact us to learn more and schedule your personal tour at one of our eight Life Plan communities.