Having Bad Memory? Here Are A Few Supplements That Can Help
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Do you suffer from poor memory? Do you feel like you constantly forget things?
One in nine adults over the age of 45 suffers from memory issues. Many of us think that poor memory is just a part of getting older. However, while our memories may weaken as we age, we can take supplements to improve our memory levels.
Which supplements should you take to improve your memory? Read on to learn about the best memory-boosting supplements.
Related: Mental Acuity: A Guide to Staying Mentally Sharp
1. Matcha
Matcha is one of the best supplements for improving your memory. Matcha is a type of green tea made by grinding young tea leaves into a bright green powder.
While matcha is traditionally consumed in East Asia, it has exploded in popularity worldwide in the last few years. There’s a good chance that your local coffee shop serves a matcha latte. But matcha does a whole lot more than make your latte a cool color.
Matcha has many health benefits, including improved memory function. A recent study found that matcha improved memory, reaction time, and attention span when compared to a placebo.
Matcha is also high in antioxidants that can protect your body against free radical damage. Matcha can also help protect your liver and improve your heart health, and it may even protect you against certain types of cancers.
Green tea is also linked to fat burning, so matcha can even help you lose weight. Matcha is also easy to prepare. You can buy it in powder form and mix it into milk to make a latte. Or, you can purchase pre-made drinks that already contain matcha.
2. Curcumin
If you’ve ever made curry, you’re probably familiar with curcumin. Curcumin is the primary ingredient in turmeric, a bright, yellow-colored spice.
Indians have long used curcumin because of its medicinal properties, and now, Western societies are finally starting to get on board. Curcumin is an antioxidant with powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
Scientists believe that inflammation plays a major role in nearly every chronic disease in Western society. This means that curcumin can be a powerful supplement for dealing with inflammation issues.
Besides having anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin can help improve memory and combat memory-related illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s. A recent study conducted by UCLA found that not only does curcumin help improve memory, but it also helps boost your mood.
The university’s research, published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, found that an easily-absorbed curcumin supplement helped improve memory in those who suffered from dementia.
Many scientists also believe that curcumin is part of the reason older Indian adults experience lower rates of dementia. While scientists aren’t exactly sure how curcumin affects the brain to improve memory, many believe that it’s related to inflammation.
Inflammation in the brain isn’t just linked to Alzheimer’s and other memory issues, but it’s also linked to depression. This is why curcumin serves as a mood booster as well as a memory booster.
Are you wondering how to memorize material faster? Click here to learn how it’s done.
3. Huperzine A
Along with curcumin, huperzine A is typically found in nootropics. Nootropics are naturally and synthetically occurring substances that can improve mental performance.
Huperzine A is a chemical that’s extracted from fir club moss or Chinese club moss plants. Huperzine A can also be made in a laboratory.
This chemical works by interacting with another chemical called acetylcholine. When huperzine A interacts with acetylcholine, it increases its levels in the body. Scientists believe that an increase in acetylcholine can help improve memory and thinking.
Huperzine A is also possibly effective for easing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. There is also a small amount of evidence pointing to huperzine A helping treat cocaine disorders.
Huperzine A can also possibly help fight depression, improve symptoms of schizophrenia, and improve mental alertness.
Related: The 8 Real Reasons You Can’t Concentrate
4. Citicoline
Citicoline is another substance that can help improve memory levels. This chemical serves as an intermediate in the creation of phosphatidylcholine.
Not only can citicoline help improve memory and learning, but it can also help improve cognitive control. Some studies show that citicoline can also help reduce memory impairment issues related to brain diseases, dementia, cerebrovascular diseases, and cerebral insufficiency.
Scientists believe that citicoline improves memory function by increasing levels of certain antioxidant compounds.
5. Ginkgo Biloba
Gingko Biloba is a Chinese herbal supplement that’s found in the Ginkgo Biloba tree- one of the oldest tree species in the world. Also known as maidenhair, Ginkgo Biloba is typically extracted from the tree’s leaves.
Not only does Ginkgo Biloba have positive effects on Alzheimer’s and dementia, but it can also improve long-term memory. It improves memory by reducing oxidative stress, increasing serotonin, and increasing important neurotransmitters, such as epinephrine, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
In addition to helping improve memory Gingko Biloba also:
- Contains powerful antioxidants that neutralize the effects of free radicals
- Improves heart health and blood circulation
- Fights inflammation
- Improves brain function and well-being
- Reduces anxiety and depression levels
- Support eye and vision health
- Improve COPD and asthma symptoms
- Reduce PMS symptoms
Related: How to Get Rid of Brain Fog: Tips and Tricks
Time to Boost Your Memory With the Above Supplements
As you can see, there are many great supplements out there for boosting your memory. Now, all you need to do is figure out which supplement is right for you. Many people find that a combination of the above supplements is best for improving memory function.
In addition to taking supplements, you can also practice mindfulness, drink less alcohol, get more sleep, and maintain a healthy weight to improve your memory.
If you’re looking for another great way to boost your memory, check out Magic Mind!