Memory Boosting Foods

Alicia Stanton, MD, December 3, 2009

One of the most dreaded symptoms of aging is memory loss, and it can occur in both the short and long term at a much faster rate than expected. Fortunately, there are diet and lifestyle techniques that you can adopt to improve memory. For example, according to a recent article on NaturalHealth.com, studies have revealed that a combination of ginseng and ginkgo biloba was the most effective formula of herbal remedies for increasing brain power, a preparation of 60% ginseng and 40% ginkgo being the most effective in a group of volunteers in one particular study.

Certain foods can also have memory boosting, or at least loss preventing power. Some memory improving ingredients include:

  1. Olive Oil – A recent study found that an ingredient in olive oil, oleocanthal, protects the brain against damage from toxins that leads to memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease.
  2. Folate & B Vitamins – patients with a deficiency in these demonstrated forgetfulness, memory loss, confusion, dementia, and depression.
  3. Honey – raw honey calms nerves, therefore promoting relaxation and rest. “One to two teaspoons per day is recommended.”
  4. Rosemary – rosemary acts as a decongestant and astringent, is good for digestion and circulation, relaxes the stomach, can relieve headaches and menstrual cramps, and regulates blood pressure.
  5. Ginger – ginger has not only been said to remedy hot flashes, morning sickness, and motion sickness, it has also long been used as a remedy for stomach distress, as it relieves inflammation, nausea, vomiting and pain, and it increases circulation.

Here are a couple of memory-boosting recipes from NaturalHealth.com to aid you in making good use of these ingredients:

Memory Zest Blend

1 part ginkgo
1 part gotu kola and peppermint leaves
1 part red clover tops
1 part rosemary leaves
1 part ginger root
Honey

Bring a cup of water (or an entire tea pot) to a boil and add the herbs. Allow the tea to steep for at least ten minutes, strain and drink. Honey can be added after the tea is strained. According to HerbalSolutions.com, this is “a mentally refreshing beverage [that will] give you feelings of clarity and precision.”

Yogurt and Rosemary Drink

1 cup of raw yogurt
1 twig of rosemary or 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
2 figs
1 tablespoon of olive oil

Place the ingredients in a jar and seal overnight. In the morning, place the mixture in a blender and blend until smooth. Drink this daily to feel refreshed.

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