Foods That Boost Memory

We at Concorde always want our students to be successful. Whether it's acing the NCLEX at the end of a Nursing program or making straight A's all the way through a Surgical Technology curriculum, we hope and wish for nothing but success for our students as they increase their health care awareness.

A key for being successful in any educational program is retaining a good memory. The ability to memorize facts and figures, store them, and then pull them out when needed is crucial. There are several factors that affect memory, both positively and negatively. A lack of sleep can have a negative effect. A healthy level of physical activity can positively affect memory. Lifestyle and environmental factors, even genetics, can play roles.

Did you know that what you eat also can affect memory and brain function? Good blood flow to the brain positively impacts memory, so foods that nourish the heart are a good choice. Research has shown that the Mediterranean Diet helps keep brains sharp. Foods like those in that diet also help with better cognitive function.

EatRight.com recently published an article listing four types of foods to help boost your memory and increase health care awareness.

Strengthen recall by adding these foods to your diet

Eat your vegetables. Getting adequate veggies, especially cruciferous ones like broccoli, cabbage, and dark leafy greens might help improve memory. Try a kale salad or substitute collard greens for a tortilla in your next sandwich wrap. Broccoli stir fry is also an excellent option for lunch or dinner.

Be sweet on berries and cherries. Berries - especially dark ones such as blackberries, blueberries, and cherries - are a rich source of anthocyanins and other flavonoids that might boost memory function.

Get adequate omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in particular, might help improve memory in healthy young adults. Seafood, algae and fatty fish - including salmon, bluefin tuna, sardines, and herring - are some of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Substitute fish for meat a couple of times each week to get a healthy dose. You also can get omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, seaweed or microalgae supplements.

Work in walnuts. Walnuts, well known for their positive impact on heart health, might also improve memory. Snack on a handful of walnuts to satisfy midday hunger, add them to oatmeal or salad for crunch or mix them into a vegetable stir-fry for extra protein.

Health care awareness that works for you

Not only are these foods highly suggested for improving memory and increasing health care awareness, but they also have a positive impact on the heart. So, you'll be getting double value when eating them. While there's no guarantee that these foods will help you remember where you put your keys tomorrow, over time they can support good health.