Brain Vitamins: Improve Memory & Concentration

Multivitamins when taken in a modest dose are good for the brain. They contain macronutrients like vitamins and minerals. As a person grows older, there is usually a decrease in activity and as a result the digestive system becomes less efficient. This in turn leads to a change in diet that is usually less nutritious and can lead to impaired cognitive function.

There are also many people who have dietary restrictions due to religious, medical, or personal beliefs and do not get the proper nutrition from the food they eat. When maintaining a balanced diet becomes hard to do for any reason, multivitamins can play an important role to supplement it.

Antioxidants help clean up the brain and contain cell protecting properties. They also may play a part in preventing disease, while at the same time, promoting the growth of healthy brain cells. Foods high in antioxidants can dramatically reverse memory loss, restore motor coordination and balance and include raisins, apples, grapes, cherries, prunes, spinach, blueberries, garlic cooked kale, cranberries, strawberries and raspberries. Acai berries contain more antioxidants than any other berries. In addition to antioxidants, they contain omega fatty acids and are very high in protein.

Omega-3 fatty acids help improve general brain functioning and restore memory. They also may create new communication centers in neurons which help with general functioning and mood. Omega-3’s can be found in flax oils, walnuts, and fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring.

Essential fatty acids promote normal growth and development. They also contain anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to stroke prevention, and help to improve blood circulation, lift mood, and prevent depression.

B vitamins are also important for proper brain health. Vitamin B6, which are found in bananas, beef, broccoli, organ meats, pork, spinach, and veal are needed to balance brain chemistry. It does this by helping in the creation of all amino acid neurotransmitters, including serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine.

Vitamin B12 contributes to DNA synthesis and the conduction of red blood cells and nerve cells. Deficiency over time may cause depression and impaired mental function. It can be found in breakfast cereals, legumes and legume products, shell fish, and poultry.

Complex carbohydrates are also good because they are needed for the body to survive. Good sources of complex carbohydrates are peanuts, dried apricots, yogurt, oat bran, and sourdough bread. Increasing vinegar and lemon juice consumption with carbohydrates help to suppress a sharp rise in blood sugar.

Selenium is a mineral found in grains, garlic, meat, Brazil nuts, and seafood such as oysters, swordfish, and tuna. Studies have shown that participants that have taken selenium supplements felt clearheaded, elated, confident, and energetic.

Vitamin E helps with blood circulation. The better the blood circulation is to the brain, the better the brain will function. Foods rich in vitamin E are vegetable oils, nuts, and green leafy vegetables.

Ginkgo Biloba is believed to ward off age-related memory loss. It also destroys free radicals and increases the circulation of blood and oxygen to the brain.