brain by providing a steady, sustained supply of glucose, and are high in folate, the memory-boosting B vitamin. Finally, don’t forget to include culinary


herbs like curcumin, rosemary, saffron, oregano and mint. Tey all help support brain health, especially saffron, which contains a potent constituent called crocin that is associated with slowing cognitive decline in human and animal studies.


Brain-Nourishing Supplements and Stress Reduction


TIPS TO PRESERVE MEMORY AT ANY AGE by Sheryl Kraft


BRAIN POWER BOOSTERS


A


lthough it is completely normal to feel like our memories are failing us as we get older, this


is not the time to panic. Regardless of age, it is always possible to learn, store and recall information, and there are numerous practices we can adopt to nourish and optimize our brains. Whether we’re looking for the car keys in all the wrong places or experiencing way too many tip-of-the-tongue moments, it may be high time to adopt the brain-boosting recommendations by these four experts.


Eating for Cognitive Power


“Having a better memory now and in the future means taking care of your brain and making the right lifestyle choices to slow down the aging process,” says Annie Fenn, M.D., founder of BrainHealthKitchen.com,


14 Central Florida www.NACFL.com


who believes that what we choose to eat is one the most significant decisions we make each day. Foods high in antioxidants like vitamins


C and E, beta carotene and selenium have been shown to slow age-related memory loss. Tink berries, grapes (which contain resveratrol, a memory-enhancing compound), beets, broccoli, almonds, avocados, carrots, eggs, salmon, onions and dark, leafy greens. Avoid foods high in saturated and trans


fats, which can increase “bad” cholesterol and lower “good” cholesterol. Studies find that high cholesterol diets can increase the risk of memory loss, among other cognitive functions. Whole grains and legumes like cracked


wheat, whole-grain couscous and lentils are complex carbohydrates that boost the


Wendy Warner, M.D., the founder of Medicine in Balance, an integrative healthcare practice in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, recommends Ginkgo biloba (one of the oldest living tree species in the world) and ginseng, which have both been found to help enhance memory with their neuroprotective and antioxidant effects. Noting that the brain works best with adequate nourishment, she asserts that these supplements can play a role in increasing blood circulation to the brain, thus improving its function. Also on her list are Bacopa monnieri for


its antioxidant capacity, Rhodiola rosea for its neuroprotective and antioxidant effects and licorice (Glycirrhiza glabra) for its ability to increase circulation in the central nervous system. Warner recommends regular stress


management techniques like yoga, qigong and tai chi as well, noting, “Tese all help lower inflammation and cortisol (an inflammatory stress hormone) and have been shown to improve memory.”


Medicinal Herbs for Mental Clarity


Heather Houskeeper is a certified herbalist, long-distance hiker and author. When venturing out into the wild, she is able to spot and identify hundreds of medicinal herbs, including her favorite, top five memory boosters, starting with Ginkgo biloba, as well as:


ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis) supports healthy blood flow to the brain. It can be enjoyed through food, tea or diffused as aromatherapy.


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