Are you feeling forgetful lately? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. There are many things that could be impacting your recall—pressures from work and home life, sleeping patterns and lack of exercise can all affect your memory. Surprisingly, so can food. Next time you’re at the grocery store, fill your cart with some of the best foods for memory health.
Blueberries
This tasty fruit has been shown in numerous studies to do wonderful things for memory and the brain in general. Blueberries contain anthocyanin, a known memory-boosting phytochemical. They also contain many other phytochemicals that may contribute to healthy brain function.
Omega-3s
The majority of the cell structure in the brain consists of healthy fats, including the most important healthy fats, called Omega-3 fatty acids. As the brain continues to fix itself and grow additional neurons, a good amount of Omega-3s need to be consumed. The best sources of Omega-3 include salmon, albacore tuna, flaxseed oil, canola oil, eggs and walnuts.
Water
The human body is made mostly of water. It’s very easy to go all day without consuming the necessary quantity of water and become dehydrated. Even a mild case of dehydration can reduce mental energy and capacity, causing a person’s memory to become impaired. Drink at least four liters of water each day, or six to eight 8-ounce glasses.
Fiber
Technically fiber might not be considered food, but it’s often found in the foods we eat. Consuming a fiber-rich diet will slow down digestion and gradually release food’s sugar into your bloodstream. Foods that contain a good dose of fiber include dried fruits, and vegetables like broccoli, green peas and spinach. High fiber content can also be found in beans, nuts, seeds, whole fruits like avocadoes, kiwi and pears, and whole grains.
Healthy Eating for Seniors
Senior citizens can benefit from these nutritional powerhouses. As our bodies and minds age, it’s important to keep up our nutritional goals and continue to eat a well-balanced diet. If you’re helping with meal prep for elderly parents or other loved ones, it’s essential to take into consideration any changing nutritional or caloric needs. And remember, some of the best foods for the elderly are also the best foods for memory health!
Putting together budget-friendly senior meal plans using some of the foods above can also help support memory for the older people in your life. It’s easy to do if you follow our nutrition tips for seniors.
Let’s start today to work towards better health. We’re posting some great tips every week on our Facebook page – join us by liking FirstLight Home Care today on Facebook or contact us for more information about the in-home care your loved one needs!