Everyone experiences it at some point in their lives. You look all over the house for spectacles that are perched on your head, or you simply can't fathom where you put that pen or book that you held in your hands just a few minutes ago.
Short term memory loss seems to get worse as you grow older, but this doesn't have to be so, say scientists.
Your brain is a vital organ and in order to protect and nurture it, you need to pay more attention to your diet. Here are some super foods that can help improve and restore cognitive function.
A Yoghurt for memory loss: A diet rich in yoghurt can prevent loss of memory and even dementia as we age, explains Dr. David Smith, a researcher at the University of Oxford's 'Oxford Project to Investigate Memory and Aging' (OPTIMA).
This is because yoghurt is rich in B12 vitamins. Smith and his colleagues have discovered that B12 stops the brain from “shrinking” with the onset of old age.
Blueberries for youthful alertness: Blueberries are packed with anti-oxidants that age-proof your brain, preventing the onset of diseases such as Alzheimer's. According to Rutgers' Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research in the US, blueberries have the highest anti-oxidants compared to other foods. Anti-oxidants function as scavengers in the body, clearing away harmful free radicals that cause deterioration and ageing.
A study by British scientists has shown that a regular intake of blueberries can also keep you active, especially in the late afternoons, when most of us experience an energy slump. This is because blueberries are believed to stimulate the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain, keeping the mind fresh.
Dr Jeremy Spencer, a molecular nutritionist at the University of Reading who carried out the study, said that long-term intake could help significantly improve cognitive function.
A Milk to control mood swings: A cup of milk with unsweetened cereal every morning will give you at least 25 percent of your daily intake of Vitamin D, a nutrient that has been shown to affect your brain's inflammatory response, keeping your mood swings in check and your temperament on an even keel. So, if you have been feeling a little nervous or distracted lately, a glass of milk will prove to be a soothing tonic, instantly calming your nerves and helping your mind function more efficiently.
A cup of cocoa for concentration: Do you have a difficult meeting coming up or just need to concentrate better? Instead of reaching out for the usual tea or coffee, sip on a cup of cocoa instead. Cocoa, researchers from the Yale University say, can help stimulate blood flow to the brain, helping you focus more on the task at hand. This is because cocoa contains flavonoids like catechin and epicatechin (plant pigments that provide a host of health benefits), which relax the blood vessels, even preventing stroke.
Flaxseeds for intelligence: Though it is tiny, the flaxseed is mighty, packed with powerful brain boosting omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Its fibre content will also lower cholesterol. Eating this seed whole can be harmful; dieticians recommend that it should be lightly roasted and sprinkled on bread and not more than one teaspoon should be taken per day. Flaxseed chutney is an interesting option too!
The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) recommends 6 to 8 ounces of grains every day (half of them should be whole), supplemented with lots of fruits and veggies for added brain power. Avoid junk foods that can cause a rollercoaster rise and fall in blood sugar, eventually compromising on brain function. For the best mind-body connection, eat wholesome foods that nurture the brain.
Bon apetit!
