Our brain’s ability to remember is an advantage many of us take for granted. Often, it isn’t until we begin to experience more rapid changes that we realize how important our memory is on a daily basis.
The Alzheimer’s Association projects that over 10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer’s disease in the United States alone.
This may be a scary statistic, and to keep your peace (and health) of mind, it’s best to take proactive steps to keep your brain function in tip-top shape.
Alzheimer’s and dementia aside, we could generally benefit from a boost to our brain’s ability to remember important details–from studying for exams to ensuring we accomplish everything on our daily to-do list on time.
Stock your kitchen and medicinal cabinets with the following three items as a preventative measure to keep your brain healthy and memory fit.
Rosemary
With its woodsy and citrus-like scent, who doesn’t love rosemary?
Now, you have another reason to love it.
In a study conducted by researchers at Northumbria University in the UK, students scored 5 to 7 percent better on memory tests while working in a room with the scent of rosemary.
Though the study was conducted with children, the doctor in charge states that these findings hold true for all ages.
Rosemary can be found in essential oil form–just put a dab of it on your wrists or neck to feel the effects of the aroma. You can also use it in various other forms, whether it’s fresh, dried, powdered in capsules, or as a tincture, tea, or liquid extract.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been all the rage in the Western world as of late, and for good reason. In addition to keeping your skin healthy and strong, potentially preventing heart disease, and improving digestion, it’s also good for potentially preventing or treating Alzheimer’s.
How so? Allow me to explain.
Usually, our brains create their own insulin in order to power brain cells for healthy functioning.
However, the brain of an Alzheimer’s patient has lost the ability to create its own insulin. That’s where coconut oil comes in–the digestion of the fats within coconut oil creates ketones, which supply energy to the brain without the need of insulin to turn glucose into energy.
Put simply, the ketones from coconut oil create an alternate source of energy to help repair brain function.
Coconut oil can be consumed in a variety of ways–from eating it on its own, to adding it to your morning coffee, oatmeal, or smoothies.
Fish Oil Capsules
Fish oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which has been found to build brain cell membranes, reduce inflammation in the brain, and promote new brain cell formation.
Even if you don’t eat fish regularly, you can supplement your diet with fish oil capsules. If you are an adult and aren’t consuming two servings of oily fish per week, it’s recommended you take approximately a daily total of 500 milligrams (mg) of fish oil capsules that contain both EPA and DHA omega-3 acids.
In one study, after a group of 18- to 25-year-olds took fish oil capsules on a daily basis for six months, subjects boosted their working memory up to 23 percent (source).
If you’re a vegetarian and don’t eat fish, you can instead opt to increase your intake of flax seeds or pumpkin seeds. These seeds contain different, but still beneficial, types of omega-3 fatty acids. Pumpkin seeds also contain zinc, which aids in sharpening memory and strengthening the brain as well.
Don’t wait until you begin seeing signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related conditions. Take steps to keep your mental functioning healthy and incorporate these solutions into your health regimen today.
Dehydration is harmful to your brain health, and ensuring you are consuming enough water each day is critical for keeping your memory sharp. Learn more about water filtration and purification here.
