To keep the brain healthy, diet is crucial. In particular, there are a few foods, rich in nutrients, to favor to maintain your memory at all ages.
Memory is an essential function of the brain that allows us to retain and retrieve past information. Essential to our daily life, memory affects learning, decision-making, the development of social relationships, adaptation to change and problem solving. To maintain effective memory, it is crucial to have a healthy brain and this is partly through diet. The brain is in fact an extremely complex and energy-intensive organ which, to function optimally, needs a wide variety of nutrients.
What foods for good memory?
Several nutrients contribute to the proper functioning of the brain and memory. For example, omega 3 fatty acids, such as those found in fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), walnuts and even flax seeds. Small fruits like blueberries are particularly rich in antioxidants, which also protect brain cells against damage caused by free radicals. Foods rich in B vitamins, such as pork, legumes and eggs, are important for mental and cognitive health, as is zinc, found in oysters, organ meats and dried fruits.
Finally, omega 3 and vitamin E, found in vegetable oils, avocados, fish and seafood, are also beneficial for brain health and memory due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidants.
Obviously, a good memory depends on a multitude of factors. Beyond diet, maintaining the brain and memory requires a healthy lifestyle, regular physical exercise, quality sleep and, above all, plenty of water.
Oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
© Valéry Guedes
Oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines, are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These fatty acids are essential for the proper functioning of the brain, memory and cognitive functions.
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Red fruits
© Valéry Guedes
In addition to being packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber, red fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries or blackberries, are rich in phytochemicals called flavonoids, which are known for their excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. to boost memory.
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The blueberries
© Akiko Ida
Blueberries are one of the most beneficial fruits for memory due to their high content of phytochemicals called anthocyanins. These compounds help improve memory and other cognitive functions.
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Nuts
© Oddur Thorisson
Nuts are great for memory since they contain several compounds that can support brain health: polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds.
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Green tea
© Jean-Claude Amiel
Long recognized for its numerous health benefits, tea has positive effects on memory and cognitive functions. Thanks to bioactive compounds, particularly catechins and caffeine, regular consumption of green tea helps maintain a healthy brain.
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Cocoa
© Bastien Lattanzio
Cocoa, especially raw cocoa or unsweetened cocoa powder, is rich in compounds called flavanols, which protect brain cells and preserve cognitive function, including memory.
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Beet
© Caroline Lesguillons
Beetroot is a colorful root vegetable, loved for its distinctive sweet flavor. When it comes to memory and cognitive functions, beetroot is particularly interesting due to its nitrate content.
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Soy
© Ella Mills
Soy, a legume consumed in different forms, including tofu, soy milk and edamame (soy beans), is rich in essential nutrients, proteins, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. Its content of compounds called phytoestrogens, particularly isoflavones, makes it an excellent food for boosting memory.
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Eggs
© Carrie Solomon
Eggs are an excellent source of choline, an essential nutrient for brain health. Choline is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory, learning and other cognitive functions.
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The green vegetables
© Danièle Gerkens
Green vegetables, especially broccoli, are excellent sources of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene. Broccoli, rich in phytochemicals like flavonoids, helps protect brain cells from damage caused by free radicals, and helps prevent age-related cognitive decline and maintain brain health.
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