Forgetfulness happens to the best of us. Whether this occurs naturally with age or as a function of other contributing factors, nobody wants this experience.
With conscious eating and harnessing the potential of beneficial ingredients, these plant-based options may provide the memory boost you need. If you’re on the hunt for some natural approaches, go ahead and test these out for yourself.
1. Rosemary
The first option to give your memory a lift is turning to rosemary. With various scientific studies in its arsenal, rosemary oil may enhance one’s recall ability, specifically prospective and retrospective memory. In addition, it can offer some extra assistance in alertness as well as soothing aches or pain.
Rosemary Wild Rice Stuffed Mushrooms
Luckily, this fragrant herb is useful in so many recipes. Some Garlic and Rosemary Hasselback Potatoes are a classic favorite transformation. Or, use some to create the perfect dinner with these Rosemary Wild Rice Stuffed Mushrooms. It’s also wonderful in fresh dishes like this Rosemary Brussels Sprout Quinoa Salad, which is full of protein and flavor.
2. Chard
This leafy green friend is great for so many things– and memory is one of them. Chard contains lutein, which benefits the brain in terms of attention and learning as well as processing speed and recall. It’s also great for helping retain eye health. If you can’t get ahold of some chard, spinach and avocado are also lutein sources to consider.
Buckwheat Crêpes With Mushrooms and Chard
Get more chard in your diet by showcasing it in these savory Buckwheat Crêpes With Mushrooms and Chard. You can also make some simple Ravioli With Kale Pesto And Sautéed Chard to amp up your intake of greens. For even more support, these Swiss Chard Enchiladas With Avocado Cream provide an extra memory boost from the avocado.
3. Beets
Another great way to encourage memory is by eating beets. The folate, antioxidants, and natural nitrates in this veggie help promote blood flow to the brain. Studies have even explored the use of beet juice for helping with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
The unique pigment and flavor of beets offer a broad variety of potential uses. This Roasted Beet Sorghum Salad With Ginger-Lime Vinaigrette is the perfect refreshing meal on a warm day. Or, get creative with some Beet Gazpacho. Another unexpected dessert option is this Beet Cashew Cake recipe, which suits this ingredient perfectly.
4. Cabbage
Cruciferous veggies like cabbage are also great picks for memory and overall health. Red cabbage, in particular, is a promising source of antioxidants, anthocyanins, and vitamin K which assist with brain functions. Thus, it is also helpful in reducing Alzheimer’s.
Cabbage deserves more attention for its diverse uses. Use it to perk up sushi night with these Red Cabbage Sushi Burritos, which are ultra-healthy and full of nutrients. Make it the main event in some Braised Red Cabbage With Apples and Pecans, which balances sweet and tart beautifully. You can also add some extra crunch in dishes like these Sweet Potato, Red Cabbage, and Kelp Noodles With Miso Dressing.
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a standard favorite among many, and for good reason. It contains beneficial fatty acids which can guard against cognitive decline, keeping your brain sharp. In addition to preventing this loss of recollection, olive oil helps with learning and memory for new material as well. Extra virgin olive oil is the best way to go if you can find it.
You may just use olive oil for cooking other ingredients, but it can also be highlighted in plenty of ways. Bring it into sweeter dishes like this Olive Oil Lemon Drizzle Cake to provide the ideal texture and richness. Another delectable option is this Olive Oil and Vanilla Ice Cream With Caramel Sauce. When you want some side flavors, serve these 4-Ingredient Rosemary Olive Oil Buns to complement your main dishes.
6. Capers
Another ingredient that passes under the health radar is capers. These contain quercetin, which impacts the flow of blood to the brain and allows you to take in and recall information more readily.
If you’re ever unsure about what to do with capers, they work seamlessly in countless pasta and salad recipes. For example, this Orecchiette With Capers and White Wine is a great way to treat yourself after a long day. Add them to this Oyster Mushroom Ropa Vieja for an incredibly flavorful meal. Or, throw together some easy Crispy Smashed Potatoes With Caper Aioli.
7. Sage
Sage isn’t just great as a cleansing aroma– it has noteworthy benefits for memory as well! This herb has high antioxidant levels which contribute to its wide variety of potential uses which include alertness, overall cognition, and improved mood.
Sage adds the perfect extra dimension to your dishes. Experiment with this Sweet Potato Black Bean Soup With Sage Avocado Cream to warm you up with a little spice. It’s also delicious in this classic Cauliflower Sage Alfredo recipe. If you want to make vegan pasta even healthier, try some Squash Spaghetti With Sage Pesto.
In many ways, food can be the best medicine. If you make the effort to integrate these ingredients into your rotation, your body will surely be grateful. Memory is important, and the plants mentioned here can help to preserve it.
If you enjoy recipes like this, try downloading the Food Monster App! It’s available for both Android and iPhone and is loaded with thousands of allergy-friendly & vegan recipes/cooking tips, plus hundreds of search filters and features like bookmarking, meal plans and more. The app shows you how having diet/health/food preferences can be full of delicious abundance rather than restrictions!
Lead Image Source: Unsplash
Comments