The brain is like the CPU of the human body – it controls every aspect of our living, whether it is letting us know when we’re hungry or helping us solve the problems that confront us in our day to day life. But it is also the place where we store all our memories – our thoughts, our experiences and everything else in the past. Keeping the brain healthy is not only important to help us regulate the various functions of our bodies, but also so as to keep our memory fresh and agile. A good memory is crucial for our success in life; without it, we would be incompetent to handle all the puzzles and problems life throws at us every day.

Keeping your memory sharp like a razor is easier than you might think. Like every other organ, the brain relies on certain nutrients to keep it in good shape. These nutrients can be obtained from certain foods. Here is a list of amazing brain-friendly foods that will help you boost your memory:-

1. Fish

Fish is one of the most well-reputed brain-friendly foods there is due to the rich dose of omega-3 fatty acids that are present in it. The omega-3 fatty acids present in fish are especially effective against dementia and also greatly improve retention and memory recall. According to a recent survey, people who consume fish at least once a week are likely to have a 12% slower decline in memory with age, as compared to people who do not consume fish at all.

For vegetarians who aren’t comfortable with eating fish, fish oil supplements can provide the same benefits. For more information on fish oil supplements, click here.

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is a popular spice in many Indian kitchens and is used in many curries and dishes. Not only does it provide a great taste and colour to our cuisine, it is also known to be extremely healthy for the brain. An active ingredient found in turmeric is curcumin, which has been demonstrated to reduce the deposits of plaque in the brain, thereby helping to restore and even boost the memory. If you haven’t yet enjoyed the benefits of turmeric, click here to learn more about it.

3. Walnuts and Almonds

Nuts like walnuts and almonds are also known to be incredibly healthy for the brain. Walnuts and almonds also contain omega-3 fatty acids; in addition to that, they are also rich sources of omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E and vitamin B6. All these amazing nutrients present in walnuts and almonds protect the brain from the harmful threat of free radicals which can greatly hamper memory and lead to dementia. For best effects, it is always better to soak walnuts and almonds in water overnight and then consume them in the morning. To read more about the amazing nutritional benefits of walnuts and almonds, click here and here.

4. Quinoa

Unlike other foods, quinoa doesn’t directly affect the brain, but its power lies in the fact that it greatly improves blood circulation and quality. By doing so, it ensures that the brain remains fully oxygenated for maximum efficiency. It also satisfies the brain’s massive energy needs by being a great source of carbohydrates. The vitamin B present in quinoa is also useful in maintaining the health of blood vessels, something which also improves circulation to the brain. To learn how quinoa can improve your memory, click here.

5. Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the most powerful anti-oxidant sources in nature. The potent anti-oxidants in blueberries can help the brain fight off oxidative stress and ward off age-related memory impairment. In addition to the anti-oxidant content, blueberries are also extremely rich in flavonoids which are known to boost the communication between neurons, thereby being extremely effective in improving memory and retention and also providing a great way to enhance cognitive abilities like reasoning, decision making, spatial comprehension etc.

For more information related to memory-boosting foods, please click here.