Four Brain-Boosting Foods for Better Memory and Brain Health
- Isabella Boston
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 25
Understanding how our memory is stored in the brain and four brain-boosting foods to support it
Health & Wellness Disclosure: The information provided in this post is for educational purposes only. To the best of my knowledge, all information and advice are believed to be accurate and true. Please consult with a health specialist, medical practitioner, or doctor before making any decisions that may impact your health or well-being.
The brain is the major organ of the nervous system and is located in the cranium (skull). It receives, sorts, and interprets sensations from the nerves that extend from the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the rest of the body; it initiates and coordinates nerve signals associated with activities such as speech, movement, thought, and emotion.
Our memories are stored across multiple interconnected regions of the brain, with the hippocampus playing a crucial role in forming and transferring those memories.
Hippocampus: Part of the limbic system, the hippocampus is a pair of curled regions deep in the brain, critical for initial memory formation and for transferring short-term memories to long-term storage.
Prefrontal cortex: Responsible for short-term working memory.
Cerebral cortex: Long-term memories are integrated into the cerebral cortex through a process called cortical integration.
Neocortex: Important for explicit memories, including general facts and information.
Amygdala: Part of the limbic system, along with the hippocampus, and important for explicit memories.
Basal galia and cerebellum: Responsible for implicit memories, like motor skills.
To support hippocampal health, you should focus on a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and foods that promote healthy blood flow to the brain: berries, leafy greens, fatty fish, and nuts. These foods have been linked to improved memory and cognitive function.
Four Brain-Boosting Foods for Better Memory (the breakdown)
Berries (Blueberries, Strawberries): Berries are rich in antioxidants that can protect brain cells and possibly enhance memory.
Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale): Leafy greens contain folate, B vitamins, and other nutrients that promote brain function and that might help to slow cognitive decline.
Fatty Fish (Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel): Fatty fish provide omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for brain health and memory.
Nuts (Walnuts, Almonds): Nuts provide antioxidants and healthy fats that can improve memory and brain function.
Other Brain-Boosting Foods:
Dark chocolate
Tumeric
Coffee and tea
Avocados
Broccoli
Eggs
Whole grains
In conclusion, the hippocampus plays a vital role in the formation and transportation of your memories. You can help support your brain health and memory by including these brain-boosting foods in your diet.
QUICK TIP: Enjoy a cup of coffee in the afternoon! A University of Arizona study showed that seniors who drank a 12-oz (355 mL) of caffeinated coffee in the morning and afternoon maintained their memory better than the group of seniors who drank decaffeinated coffee.
SOURCES
Where are memories stored in the brain?. Queensland Brain Institute - University of Queensland. (2024, September 25). https://qbi.uq.edu.au/memory/where-are-memories-stored#:~:text=Memories%20aren’t%20stored%20in,heavily%20on%20the%20prefrontal%20cortex.
Healthline Media. (n.d.). 11 best foods to boost your brain and memory. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-brain-foods#fish
Berkoff, F. G., & Schwarcz, J. (2018). Foods that harm, foods that heal: What to eat to beat disease and live longer. Reader’s Digest.
Author’s Bio
Isabella Boston is a wordsmith and the creator of Bella’s Attic Studio: A multi-media writing platform and storytelling blog specializing in copywriting, marketing, and content writing.
She is well-versed in medical terminology and scientific research with a focus on the areas of neuroscience and immunology. She is also a diarist and a published author.
When Isabella is not writing, she enjoys reading, vintage-style fashion, learning a new language, and spreading God’s Holy Word.
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