While most of our memory issues are a by-product of our busy multitasking lifestyles that cause stress and anxiety, resulting in minor episodes of forgetfulness. These small incidents can eventually lead to dementia, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s diseases as the years progress.
To fight the early onslaught of these mind-killing conditions, consider incorporating the following foods into your diet:
1- Fatty Fish:
Fish, particularly salmon, trout, sardines and herring, are a prime source of omega-3 fatty acids that are a major component of the brain-almost 30%, and contribute to forming new nerve cells, which improve learning and memory. Adding Omega 3-s to your diet via fatty fish in place of red meat may also slow age-related mental decline and prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
2- Blueberries:
Deeply colored berries like blueberries are one of the highest natural sources of antioxidants, especially ‘anthocyanins’ that increase memory functions and delay short-term memory loss. by combatting neural inflammation and oxidative stress to prevent brain aging. Because of their high vitamin K, fibre and gallic acid content, regular consumption of blueberries has been proven to protect the brain from degeneration and stress. Book a consultation with the Top Nutritionist in Islamabad if you feel that these foods are not enough or not working for you.
3- Dark Chocolate and Coffee:
Aside from being an effective mood booster, the flavonoids, caffeine and anti-oxidants present in dark chocolate enhance the memory and help slow down mental decline with age by accumulating in the areas of the brain concerned with memory and learning-particularly flavonoids-according to recent studies. However, these benefits apply only to chocolate with 70% cocoa content or more. Coffee also operates on a similar principle, provided it is drunk in moderation, that is, no more than 300g a day.
4- Leafy Green Vegetables:
One serving of vegetables like spinach, kale and lettuce once or twice or twice a day over longer periods of time has been proven to slow down mental deterioration and keep dementia at bay. This is due to Luteolin which reduces neural inflammation and is a promising compound for the improvement and expansion of memory and learning capacity.
5- Eggs:
Boiled egg yolks, despite their bad reputation of weight gain and high cholesterol, contain high reserves of vitamin B12, folate and choline. Choline is used to create a neurotransmitter acetylcholine that helps in mood and memory regulation resulting in higher brain performance, while folate reduces mental decline and decreases the possibility of age-related mental disorders. Vitamin B12 helps improve memory function by lowering toxic homo-cysteine levels in the brain-which have been linked with poor brain performance-making it one of the ultimate power foods for optimum memory function.
While these simple dietary additions can slow down neural dysfunction, factors like genetics cannot be ignored. If you or anyone around you displays sign of neuro-degenerative disorders like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, do not hesitate to Book an Appointment with the best neurosurgeon in Karachi , Lahore and Multan through Oladoc.com. Or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your neurological needs.
