Whilst genetic factors play a role in the development and maintenance of memory, so too, do environmental factors. Poorer performance has been noted in thinking and memory tests, in people with higher levels of trans fats (from junk foods and highly processed foods). Brain shrinkage is associated with aging and loss of cognitive function, and 37% of variation in brain volume can be attributed to the quality of nutrition!
The brain consumes an immense amount of energy in comparison to the rest of the body, so we must ensure that the foods we eat are nutrient-dense to maximise the impact of each calorie.
That means avoiding the empty calories found in junk foods, processed foods, alcohol, and high-sugar snacks.
Recent studies have shown that nutrients such as the B family of vitamins, vitamins A, C and E and the omega 3 fatty acid DHA, accounted for 17% of variation in thinking and memory function.
Essential fatty acids cannot be made by the body and must be obtained from dietary sources such as ground flax seed or oily fish like salmon, mackerel or sardines.
The B family of vitamins have quite diverse functions, relating to chemical reactions in the brain, and repairing nerve cells.
Vitamins A, C and E, amongst their many other functions, protect the brain from potentially damaging ‘free radicals’ (by-products of energy consumption).
Remember too, that dehydration can impair short and long-term memory, and lower cognitive performance, so drink 2 litres a day of water, herbal teas or dilute fruit juices, or more if you’re exercising.
By Georgie O’Connor, lecturer at the College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Whilst genetic factors play a role in the development and maintenance of memory, so too, do environmental factors. Poorer performance has been noted in thinking and memory tests, in people with higher levels of trans fats (from junk foods and highly processed foods). Brain shrinkage is associated with aging and loss of cognitive function, and 37% of variation in brain volume can be attributed to the quality of nutrition!
Recent studies have shown that nutrients such as the B family of vitamins, vitamins A, C and E and the omega 3 fatty acid DHA, accounted for 17% of variation in thinking and memory function.
Remember too, that dehydration can impair short and long-term memory, and lower cognitive performance, so drink 2 litres a day of water, herbal teas or dilute fruit juices, or more if you’re exercising.
