The other day, my girlfriend reminded me to pack up the Nintendo Wii I’d stolen borrowed from my Mum so that I could take it back to her. No less than ten minutes later, we were half-way to my Mum’s house (which is about 25 miles away) and guess what? I’d forgotten to pack the Wii!
This is just one example of the many times my memory has failed me, and if this sounds like you too, you’re not alone. More than 20 million people in the world have dementia, and that figure is expected to rise to more than 80 million by 2040 (Source: Alzheimer’s Society) There is no cure for Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia; however you can improve your memory and your immune system by making alterations to your diet which can prevent the onset of these diseases.
Tuna Fish Improves Memory and Reduces Risk Of Dementia
According to the Rush Medical Centre, people who eat fish at least once a week are 60% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who rarely, or never, eat fish.
The key ingredient, they say, is the fatty acids found in the fish. The brain is made up of fat and as you age, your brain needs more and more fatty acids to patch itself up. The omega-3 fatty acids, found in abundance in tuna, can also help to reduce the risk of heart disease, ease the pain of arthritis, reduce asthma complications and is essential in the growth and development of young children. In short, tuna fish has many health benefits, not to mention it is packed full of protein and is low in cholesterol and low in fat. It also tastes fantastic (at least, to me it does!).
Other Foods (And A Drink) To Improve Your Mind
An article published in 2004 claims that drinking regular cups of tea can improve your memory and slow the development of brain diseases. Good news (if you’re English, at least!).
Of course, fish and tea aren’t the only sources of nutrients which can improve your mind and fight dementia diseases. The following foods should also be a staple part of your diet:
- Cabbage
- Oranges
- Peaches
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Yogurt
- Beetroot
- Avocados
- Asparagus
- Oatmeal
- Omega-3 enriched eggs
Also, olive oil and flaxseed (either the seeds or the oil - not the tablets) both provide plenty of omega-3 fatty acids to keep you healthy and strong. Wherever possible, I’d aim to get as many nutrients as you possibly can from real food. Supplements are just that - supplemental to your diet. If your diet is terrible then no amount of pills or powders will improve your health. The only supplement I would recommend is the flaxseed oil. All other vitamins should come from your diet. A well balanced and varied diet can be healthy and tasty too!
For more memory tips, We The Change have a great article which explains 11 Simple Ways to Improve Your Memory.
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