Eat to remember

Extracted from Simply Her, December 2010

Jaclyn Reutens, a clinical dietician from Aptima Nutrition & Sports Consultants, recommends foods to boost your memory.
• Red, purple and blue fruits like cherries, grapes and tomatoes contain anthocyanin, an antioxidant that enhances memory power.
• Egg yolk contains choline, a nutrient that plays an important role in the development of the hippocampus – the part of the brain involved in memory formation and retention.
• Green leafy vegetables, fish, chicken and beans are high in B vitamins, which are strongly linked to brain health and function.
• Oily fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and protect the lining of your brain cells.
• High-fibre foods like wholegrain, wholemeal bread, brown rice and oatmeal are rich sources of glucose. Glucose ensure a sustained release of energy to your brain.
• Tumeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant that prevents clogging of your neural pathway.
• Apples, cranberries and beans contain quercetin, a flavonoid that protects the brain against oxidative damage.