If memory and cognitive function may degenerate in time, there are always the natural remedies that may improve it

Jul 5, 2006 15:01 GMT  ·  By

Being a very complex and sensitive organ, our brain needs continual care and nourishment. In time its normal functioning can be diminished or inhibited by various factors, like medications that have side effects, residues and toxins in our body or deficient activity of brain cells. The activity of these cells may decrease due to oxidation caused by free radicals and also because of an insufficient irrigation with blood flux and oxygen.

This is why we have to take care of our brain and provide it with the necessary resources in order to use it at maximum capacity. The most recommended resources are the natural ones, as they do not have side effects on our body or our memory.

Flavonoids are natural substances present in various plants that work as highly efficient antioxidants and therefore protect neuronal cells from being damaged by free radicals. Recent studies also tracked down a more various range of benefits our cognitive function gets from flavonoids: researchers claim that flavonoids have favorable effects on neurological inflammations and also inhibit some biochemical processes that lead to brain aging and loss of memory.

If you want to benefit from this active antioxidant and anti-aging natural agent, start eating more fruits - citrus fruits, all kinds of berries, apples and many others, - vegetables - onions, parsley,- dark chocolate and drink more red wine and green tea. Herbal remedies can stimulate brain activity and prevent memory loss by permanently offering the brain support in fighting free radicals and also by improving blood circulation to brain cells.

The most common and popular herb that enhances cognitive function and also prevents or treats memory loss is Ginkgo Biloba. It improves blood circulation to the brain and also fights as a strong antioxidant against free radicals and neuronal cells oxidation. Interest in this plant was manifested primarily in the Orient due to its power to delay all kinds of aging associated problems.

Ginseng is another very important remedy that stimulates memory and prevents neurological problems. Ginseng provides us with a stronger immune system and long term energy, fighting against circulatory disorders also. It increases body's resistance and vitality and also blood pressure and heart rate.

In 2002 a study on the benefits of aromatherapy and rosemary scent for our body showed that people that smelled rosemary improved alertness, short and long term memory. This study also proved that lavender is not beneficial for speeding memory, as it provides a relaxing and peaceful effect upon our body, making us sleepy. Other essential oils that are used in aromatherapy to enhance memory are basil and peppermint oil.

Eating soy is also very efficient on improving cognitive functions because it contains isoflavones, which are plant estrogens that stimulate the estrogen receptors in the human brain. Stimulating the estrogen receptors in our brain leads to faster and more rapidly forming of nerve connections.

Foods rich in iron, the very beneficial nutritive mineral for our health, enhance memory. Studies have shown that lack of iron leads to low hemoglobin levels that cause a poor irrigation of the brain. Zinc is also very important for cognitive function.

Eating fishes such as sardines, mackerel, salmon, herring etc. provides our body with Omega 3 fatty acids, which are essential for a good functioning of neuronal cells. A high amount of Omega 3 in our body boosts learning abilities and prevents memory loss.

Other very beneficial natural resources for clear thinking and sharp memory are: sage, seabuckthorn, gotu cola, oats, damiana, St. John's wort, periwinkle etc.