5 Brainfoods to Boost Your Memory

It kind of seems like a no brainer that fruits and vegetables are important for your health, but do you know which ones are key to improving your memory and overall cognitive health? Check out these 5fivevegetables and herbs you should be eating to boost your memory and they can all be grown right in your backyard.

Beets

Beets contain high levels of nitrates. These nitrates dilate blood vessels enhancing blood flow to areas of the body like the brain, which is beneficial in fighting dementia. Try eating your beets in as a hummus. It’s a simple recipe using just four main ingredients: beets, chickpeas, lemon, and garlic.

Sage

An herb that is commonly used as an essential oil, sage is known for its memory enhancing properties. Fresh sage can also be incorporated into recipes too, like a sage and egg omelette or sage ice cream. You can even incorporate sage blossoms into your diet — try this bolted blossom crostini from our friend Desiree!

Tomatoes

Lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes, is proven to aid in the protection against free radical damage to cells which occurs in dementia, especially Alzheimer’s. There’s a whole slew of tomato recipes out there, but have you tried this one?

Broccoli

Chock-full of vitamin K and anti-cancer properties, broccoli is also known to improve cognitive function and memory. If you are looking for a creative way to incorporate broccoli into meal check out this fun recipe.

Pumpkin seeds

Post pumpkin carving there’s always a million seeds left over and now instead of waiting to plant them in your garden next season, you can eat them for a brain boost! Pumpkin seeds are nutritional powerhouses with a number of beneficial nutrients, including your recommended daily intake of zinc. 

Garden Benefits for Seasons

These five foods may be great be for boosting your memory, but gardening provides a whole host of other benefits. Our case study of the Goddard House Assisted Living garden program details our findings!

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