Food is essentially the fuel on which the brain functions. The human brain works 24/7, even when one is deep in slumber. Some foods that are good for one’s memory can help boost brain function. These are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, nourishing the brain and guarding it against oxidative stress and aging. So, below mentioned is a list of eight foods to improve memory in old age and keep the brain healthy.

Coffee
For many people, a cup of coffee is the highlight of their morning. Fortunately, it is also beneficial for one and is a top brain food for memory. The two primary components of coffee are antioxidants and caffeine. They help support brain health in several ways. Caffeine’s positive impacts include alerting the brain by curtailing adenosine, a chemical messenger that makes one feel sleepy. It also boosts dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter. Further, coffee leads to short-term betterment in alertness and attention in students completing a cognition test.

Studies suggest long-term coffee consumption can help lower the susceptibility to neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This is primarily because of the high antioxidant content in coffee.

Nuts and seeds
Seeds and nuts have a high level of antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids, making them some of the best foods to improve one’s memory in old age. They are also a rich vitamin E source, which guards the brain from oxidative stress in old age. Studies suggest that regular nut consumption lowers the risk of age-related memory loss. So, one can consider including sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, and almonds in one’s routine. Walnuts are also one of the top foods for memory, with greater antioxidant levels than other nuts and seeds.

Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate has cocoa or cacao, which contains flavonoids. It is an antioxidant that is vital for brain health, as the organ is susceptible to oxidative stress, resulting in age-related cognitive decline and brain diseases. Cacao flavonoids encourage blood vessels and neuron growth in brain parts responsible for learning and memory. These also stimulate the brain’s blood flow. Studies suggest that dark chocolate improves brain plasticity, vital for learning and has brain-related benefits.

Dark berries
Blackberries and blueberries are also packed with antioxidants and are considered the best foods to help improve one’s memory. These help guard the brain against the onset of Alzheimer’s, a degenerative cognitive disease. Plus, the sweet and tart taste of dark berries makes them a healthy dessert. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent addition to smoothies and cereals too. You can also cherish them as is.

Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in vitamin K, which amplifies cognitive function and boosts brainpower. Hence, it is one of the best foods to boost memory. Studies suggest that since broccoli contains glucosinolates, it reduces acetylcholine breakdown, a neurotransmitter necessary for the central nervous system to perform well and keep the memory and brain sharp. Low acetylcholine levels also help reduce Alzheimer’s risk.

Turmeric and cinnamon
These spices break up the brain plaque and lower the inflammation in the organ. Turmeric is suggested to help prevent the risk of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and stroke because of its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects. Further, cinnamon also diminishes brain plaque, often noted in Alzheimer’s disease, and reverses mental decline.

Oranges
A medium-sized orange daily can cater to your body’s vitamin C requirements. It is vital for your brain health, as vitamin C is a primary factor in preventing mental decline. Studies suggest that higher vitamin C levels in the blood are linked to improvements in focus, attention, and decision speeds, making Oranges one of the ideal brain foods.

Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, also helps combat the free radicals that damage the brain cells. In addition, the nutrient supports brain health as one ages and helps against conditions like anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, and depressive disorder. One can also meet their vitamin C requirement by eating strawberries, tomatoes, kiwi, guava, and bell peppers.

Green tea
Like coffee, green tea also boosts brain function. In fact, it also improves memory, performance, alertness, and focus. But green tea also has other components, which make it a brain-healthy drink. It contains L-theanine, an amino acid that crosses the blood-brain barrier and amplifies GABA neurotransmitter activity, which aids in lowering anxiety and making one feel more relaxed. L-theanine also amplifies the alpha wave frequency in the brain, which helps one relax without making one feel tired.

Green tea also contains antioxidants and polyphenols that guard the brain from mental decline and lower susceptibility to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Further, some studies claim that green tea also boosts memory.