Would it not be great if you could just pop a pill and remember everything for an exam? Realistically, there are no supplements that can boost your brainpower to such astounding levels. But studies have shown that regular intake of certain supplements improves the brain’s ability to memorize. There are many herbs, supplements, and food that can improve your brain. It can improve memory, learning, concentration, attention, reasoning, social skills, decision making, and focus. If you can combine these ‘brain foods’ with enough rest and exercise, you will have boosted your brainpower in no time.
Smart Nutrients and Their Magic
The brain requires a variety of nutrients to produce neurotransmitters – these are substances that control mood, behavior, and mind. Studies have proved beyond doubt that nutritional supplements increase IQ and enhance learning ability. ‘Smart nutrients’ (cognitive enhancing supplements) are natural substances that improve human intelligence.
Ginkgo Biloba:
This substance has been used for thousands of years in Eastern cultures and is perhaps the most popular among the memory-enhancing herbs. It works by diluting the blood vessels in the brain and enhancing blood flow to the brain; thus, supplying lots of oxygen to the brain. It also gets rid of harmful free radicals that damage brain cells. However, the results are not immediate but taking the supplement continuously for a few weeks will yield results.
Green Tea and Black Tea:
Recent research has shown that these common constituents of the kitchen are very effective in combating the dreaded Alzheimer’s disease. The most significant result seems to be that they prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a key chemical involved with memory and is lacking in people suffering from Alzheimer’s. The effect of green tea is more lasting than that of black tea, which lasts only for a day.
Sage and Rosemary:
A recent study has shown that students who took sage performed better at a memory recall test. Scientists believe that sage contains substances that may increase levels of a chemical that transmits messages to the brain. Rosemary also helps stimulate memory and alleviate mental fatigue. It also strengthens mental clarity. However, how exactly these substances help the brain remains ambiguous.
Vitamin B Supplements:
A healthy diet should provide you all the vitamins that are needed by the body. But at times of stress and fatigue, the body gets depleted of Vitamin B. This deficiency prevents the functioning of acetylcholine. Vitamin B helps carry oxygen to the brain and this saves us from harmful free radicals. Some natural food like liver, eggs, soybeans, lentils, and green beans are rich in Vitamin B. Vitamin B Supplements also help in boosting the level of these vital vitamins in the body.
Iron deficiency:
The most common deficiency in most parts of the world is linked to iron deficiency. Poor concentration, diminished intelligence, and a short attention span are all attributed to iron deficiency. Iron helps carry oxygen to the blood and its deficiency leaves the brain lacking in oxygen. Iron deficiency can be detected by a simple blood test. Iron-rich food like lean meat, beans, iron-fortified cereals, and iron supplements help raise the levels of iron. But the absorption of iron becomes possible only in the presence of vitamin C. Garnishing iron-rich food with lime juice is one of the most effective and natural ways to ingest Vitamin C with iron.
Water is often overlooked but a crucial necessity of the brain. The brain is 70% water and when it is dehydrated, the brain works at a slower pace. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the brain hydrated.