According to Dr. William Kountz, director of Scientific Research of Gerontological Research Foundation, St. Louis Missouri, “Allowing oneself to slip mentally as well as physically is the primary cause of deterioration. Memory loss is not a sign of ageing, but a sign of increasing carelessness.” His advice is to keep the mind going by constant activity and proper diet.
Investigations conducted in several laboratories show that brain does not necessarily corrode with age, so long as it is free of actual disease. Researches over the past several years have shown that the human brain can grow in a variety of ways in a surprising manner, even in advanced old age. Neuroscientist, Dr.Robert Terry, M.D., of the University of California, has shown that the brain cells called neurons, which are responsible for processing information, do not really die off with age, they merely shrink. Although these smaller neurons do not function as well as larger ones, Dr. Terry thinks they might be regrown or retrained to work normally.
It is essential that the body is supplied with adequate food substances, such as proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and hormones for proper physical and mental development. Pioneering new research studies reveal that foods can help determine mental alertness, memory and concentration.
FOODS THAT SHARPEN MEMORY
Almond, Apple, Asafoetida, Brahmi, Cumin Seeds, Lemon Balm, Pepper, Phosphorus-Rich Fruits, Rosemary, Sage and Walnut.
Almond
This most important nut is a valuable food for increasing memory. It is especially beneficial in the treatment of loss of memory due to brain weakness. It contains unique properties to remove brain debility and to strengthen it. This nut preserves the vitality of the brain and cures various disorders of the nervous system.
Almonds should be immersed in water for about two hours and their upper red coating removed. They should then be made into a fine paste by rubbing them on a stone slab with sandalwood and taken mixed with butter or alone. The most useful preparation of almonds, however, is the almond milk. It can be easily prepared by grinding the blanched almonds to a smooth paste and adding cold boiled water to the consistency of the milk. With the addition of little honey, it makes a delicious and nutritious drink. One litre of milk may be obtained from 250 grams of almonds. Inhaling 10 to 15 drops of almond oil through the nose is also beneficial in the treatment of dullness of memory resulting from brain weakness.
Apple
Apple is a memory enhancing food and is beneficial in the treatment of dullness of memory. The various chemical substances contained in it help control the wear and tear of nerve cells. Apple is of special value as a brain food to enhance memory due to its richness in trace mineral boron.
According to recent experiments by research psychologist Dr. James Penland, Ph.D., at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Centre, this trace mineral appears to affect the electrical activity of the brain. Lake of boron can subdue mental alertness, says Dr. Penland.
He put 15 people over the age of 45 alternately on a low-boron and high-boron diet for about four months. When the subjects ate little boron, the electrical activity in their brains was more sluggish, indicating a decrease in mental activity. “Their brains produced more theta waves and fewer alpha waves, which happens when you become drowsy,” he says. The lack of boron seemed to “downshift their brains.” When they went on a high-boron regimen, 3mg a day, their brain wave activity increased, as detected by electroencephalograms. Two apples contained lmg of brain-stimulating boron. Eating an apple with honey and milk is very beneficial in lack of memory and concentration.
Asafoetida
This popular resinous gum is said to help regenerate the brain and the nervous system and there by help increase memory. It also helps tone up sluggish organs to create a feeling of youthful vitality. It can be used as a ‘mind tonic’ in the powdered form. One and half teaspoon of this powder should be dissolved in two cups of boiled water. It should be allowed to cool and then sipped several tablespoons while working. This gives a feeling of mental alertness and sharpens memory.
Brahmi
The leaves of the Brahmi, also known as Indian pennyworts, are a remarkable food medicine for enhancing memory. They are believed to improve the receptive and retentive capacity of the mind. The powder of the leaves should be taken with milk in small doses for this purpose, as well as for mental weakness.
Another way to use Brahmi is to dry it in shade and grind in water, along with seven kernels of almond and four and half decigrams of pepper. It should then be strained and sweetened with honey. This mixture should be drunk every morning for a fortnight on an empty stomach to increase memory and concentration.
Cumin Seeds
This popular spice is a brain food. Its use has been found beneficial in the treatment of dullness of memory. Three grams of black cumin seeds should be mixed with 12 grams of pure honey and licked to enhance memory.