7 Most Important Nutrients To Boost Your Memory
August 10, 2007 by Perfect Shape
Filed under Memory
Memory is the mental activity of recalling learned and/or experienced information.
There are 2 types of memory:
- 1. Short-term memory
2. Long-term memory
In short-term memory information is stored for a few seconds or a few minutes. Such memory is fragile and is able to hold an average of seven items (phone numbers, credit card numbers, etc.).
In long-term memory we store information for our life / jobs / etc. Sometimes, accessing information stored in long-term memory requires a conscious effort to recall: personal memories related to our experiences (episodic memory), factual data not connected to time or place (semantic memory), skills and performed routines (procedural memory).
The most important areas of the brain for retention and formation of memory are:
- 1. CEREBRAL CORTEX: the outer layer of the brain; stores most long-term memory
2. HIPPOCAMPUS: transforms information into memory
3. AMYGDALA: processes emotions and imprints the memories involving emotions
4. NEURONS: form a network into our brains used for communication
The connection between our memory and food is extremely complex. Researchers are still trying to figure out how memory is affected by what we eat.
Still, researchers indicate that the following 7 nutrients are some of the best when speaking of brain functions stimulation and nurture:
1. Vitamin B1 – best sources: grains, sunflower seeds, beans and even pork;
2. Vitamin B3 – best sources: peanuts, mushrooms, chicken, tuna and beef;
3. Vitamin B6 – best sources: broccoli, spinach, bananas;
4. Vitamin B12 – best sources: animal products;
5. Folic acid – best sources: green leafy vegetables, sprouts and oranges;
6. Vitamin C and E, beta caroten – these antioxidants fight free radicals (atoms formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules). Free radicals are highly reactive and can damage cells. Antioxidants neutralize them and also improve the flow of oxygen through the body and brain. These antioxidants can be found in berries, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, nuts, citrus fruits, liver, etc.;
7. Omega 3 fatty acids – these acids are concentrated in the brain and are associated with cognitive function. The best sources for them are: fish (like tuna, salmon, herring, mackerel, etc.) and walnuts.
Do not forget that nutrients are best assimilated and most effective when they are extracted from food products.
Popularity: 10% [?]
katyzzz on Sat, 11th Aug 2007 6:21 AM
This is an excellent, succinct summary.
I have included it in my blog and passed the link on to my readers.
I am interested in neural sprouting for maintaining memory and cicumventing damaged areas of the brain.
I believe in brain exercise and encourage that with my computer art.
Thank you for the post.
Nelson on Mon, 13th Aug 2007 1:35 PM
Hi,
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John Smith on Fri, 21st Dec 2007 7:34 AM
Good comment. It brought light to an old idea I had.
Acai Fruit Berry Juice Berries on Sat, 12th Apr 2008 3:19 AM
Great suggestions for better brain function and memory.
Abdullah S Alarcon on Tue, 15th Apr 2008 11:53 PM
Very useful information on nutrition.
acne cure online on Sun, 15th Jun 2008 12:11 AM
Some interesting points raised here about memory and vitamins.
Myers Briggs Online on Thu, 10th Jul 2008 4:07 AM
I always wondered which nutrients best helped me with my memory. Thank you for the tips!
Acai Juice on Tue, 12th Aug 2008 8:24 PM
Great info … I am a big supporter of omega 3 … I have udo’s oli daily and I have found it extremely beneficial.
Acai Berry on Tue, 19th Aug 2008 12:26 AM
There is more reason to comment than ever before! Great post! I searched for a while to find the right answer to my questions!
Acai Berry Info on Thu, 28th Aug 2008 6:21 AM
Great information … thanks for listing the foods that provide you the best source for each vitamin.
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Jason Smith of Sharpen Your Memory on Thu, 10th Jun 2010 2:58 AM
Great site!
Contrary to the belief of many people that sharpening your memory takes a lot of time and effort, you don’t have to be a genius to quickly know, understand, and recall what you have read or learned.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re 92 years old or just 12, anyone is capable of memorizing and recalling virtually any information possible. However, you must have the proper lifestyle, attitude, habits, and methods to possess a super memory.
Then take a look at Powerful Ways to Sharpen Your Memory
sleep problems on Fri, 30th Jul 2010 10:55 AM
Berries the brain food to improve memory. Specifically blueberriesare the power berries to improve memory. Berries are chucked full of antioxidants.