Eating for Good Memory

 

Good Morning!

Food For Thought: Eating for Good Memory

Most researchers agree that the best way to protect your memory is to eat plenty of antioxidants and nutrients commonly found in fruits and vegetables. Brain cells are especially vulnerable to toxins because the brain generates more free radicals per gram of tissue than any other organ. Antioxidants also protect neurons by keeping blood vessels supple and open, ensuring the flow of nutrients to the brain.

In a study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers tested people who ages ranged from 65 to 90 and discovered that the people with the best ability to memorize words and do mental arithmetic were those whose diets included the most fruits and vegetables. Coincidentally, the same group of people ate the least artery-clogging saturated fat. Of all the fruits and vegetables studied, blueberries and blackberries contain the most potent antioxidants, anthocyanins. As well as eating a diet rich in antitoxidants, taking extra vitamins can help preserve memory, especially as we age.

Try to maintain a meal schedule! At the start of your day, it is important to have a big high protein breakfast. This will jump start your metabolism, will not spike your blood sugar and will "feed the brain". After class, if it is between breakfast and lunch, have a handful of nuts or good fats like cheese or yogurt with fresh or dried fruit. Lunch is the balancing act! Students tend to load up of the simple carbs found in rice, white bread and processed soups and other canned foods, instead of the complexed carbs found in beans and root vegetables.

To keep your blood sugar from spiking and wanting to hit the pillow instead of class, go for the high protein and Omega rich options like tuna, salmon or sardines with beans, and root vegetables. Study time can be a real distraction if you are hungry. Avoid the coffee, dounuts, bagels and cookies and go with green or black tea, or herbal tea. Have handy a tray of fresh vegetables and fruit, cut and ready to eat. Drinking plenty of water will stave off hunger, keep you full, hydrated and awake.

This kind of snacking will get you through your study time much quicker and with less distractions!

_,_._,___