Memory Support Through Dining: Food That Improves Memory

Humans have a unique relationship with food. We’re the only species that transformed a biological need into an enjoyable experience. Eating isn’t just about survival anymore. It’s about connection, creativity, and finding new ways to keep our minds and bodies functioning at their highest possible levels.

This all means there’s no shortage of variety. Food options are virtually endless — traditional steak and potatoes, savory pasta, spicy chicken masala, and crunchy tacos, to name just a few. We even have options for those who don’t eat gluten or animal products.

Humans are constantly  inventing new recipes. Unfortunately, there’s no specific recipe for maximizing memory. Instead, the best way to “eat” our way to better cognition and brain health is to establish life-long dietary patterns. Nutritionists often recommend a diet that includes fruits, healthy fats, whole grains, and vegetables to harness the power of brain-boosting nutrients that can improve long-term health.

Here’s a brief overview of several foods that can improve memory health, whether you’re a young person living an active lifestyle or an older adult seeking an additional way to help stave off memory loss and other cognitive issues.

The Foods Good for Memory

A growing body of research points to the positive impact of the following  foods to improve memory:

Fish

Fatty fish — including salmon, trout, cod, herring, and sardines — are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrient powerhouses are essential for learning and memory, and also provide other benefits:

  • Improved mental health
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Increased gray matter production (our brains’ gray matter contains nerve cells that control decision-making, memory, and emotion)

But perhaps the most impressive benefit is that these fatty acids may slow age-related mental decline and help ward off Alzheimer’s disease.

Berries

Berries are bursting with nutrients that provide several health benefits, including acting as  antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which have been linked to declines in cognitive abilities. Blueberries in particular  may help improve memory and certain cognitive processes in older adults.

Here’s a list of beneficial and easy-to-find berries to incorporate in your daily diet:

  • Raspberries
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Blackberries
  • Cranberries

Leafy Greens

Dark, leafy greens like kale, collard greens, and spinach are ‘super foods’ that are easy to find at your local supermarket. Leafy greens contain  high levels of anti-inflammatory compounds known as carotenoids, as well as folate, zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin C, and fiber. The key is to ingest enough leafy greens to meet the minimum USDA recommendations that may help prevent certain diseases and slow age-related cognitive decline.

Food, Taste, and Memory Care

At The Moments, the health and wellness of our residents is our top priority. We take a holistic approach to care, treating the specific needs of each individual through a variety of sensory stimulation approaches — and nutritious mealtimes are  a big part of that approach.

Want to learn more about the food that improves memory? Contact Us, or Schedule a Visit today!

Published On: October 5, 2022