There's a lot out there about how we need to be heart healthy, but did you know that being heart healthy can also be a memory boost? Some of the very same steps you take to benefit your heart also work to benefit your brain.
We all know that exercise is a huge factor in heart health, yet most people don't realize it can boost memory. The heart is a muscle and as such it needs a regular workout to be strong. Exercise also helps with controlling cholesterol and improving circulation, both of which are heart positive.
However, exercise is also brain positive. The brain is the largest single user of oxygen among the organs in the body. Good circulation is crucial for the brain to get enough oxygen to function efficiently. Just as exercise helps improve circulation to the heart it also improves circulation to the brain. Exercise also releases chemicals in the brain which improve mood and other mental factors that can boost memory along with other functions.
We know that a good diet is also important for a good heart. Lowering bad fats and eating foods that are high in Omega3 fatty acids has a direct effect on the heart. Omega3's also contain an ingredient called Docosahexaenoic Acid or DHA which has been shown to help the body build healthy brain cells. It also stimulates the brain in a way that provides a memory boost and protects nerves from degenerating. In fact, studies have been done which show that mothers who take DHA supplements during pregnancy and while breastfeeding tend to have children with higher IQ's.
Along with Omega3 it is also a memory boost to eat foods that provide good antioxidants. Antioxidants protect both the heart and the brain by eliminating from the body particles called free radicals. Free radicals damage healthy cells. They are believed to be a contributing factor in diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's and dementia. Eating foods high in antioxidants like fruits, vegetables and whole grains can provide protection to both the heart and mind.
While a heart healthy lifestyle may go a long way toward being a memory boost, it is not the only thing you can do to help your recall. The mind also requires that you keep it active. Doing activities that stretch your mind and require you to work at recalling will also boost memory.
Additionally, there are also natural herbs and supplements out there that can strengthen the brain. Supplement that use Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng and Green Tea can help the brain by increasing blood flow, improving mood and recall as well as increasing your antioxidant levels. Make sure you check with a medical expert before using any supplements if you are taking prescription medicines to make sure there are no interactions.
Modern manufacturers have even created combination supplements that are designed to be a memory boost by the way they are formulated. They can be an effective and powerful tool in helping your mind work at its peak. Using them along with changes you may already be doing to help your heart can help ensure a stronger mind well into your golden years.
