5 Natural Supplements to Improve Brain Memory

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New health and diet fads have been rising and falling for years. For instance, fish oil popularity has been waxing and waning since the 1970s. The latest research has shown that there are a lot of new and old herbal and chemical components working as brain food which help with mental health, memory and intelligence. Even with continuing research there are still no conclusive results, but that does not stop supplement manufacturers and suppliers from marketing to the general public. Among all the chaff, there are several health food and supplements which clearly show potential.

In recent studies, these five brain food have been consistently recommended by experts:

1. Creatine. Gym rats and body builders swear by creatine when it comes to building body mass and bulking up. There has been evidence to counter these claims, however, recent research show that creatine helps in improving memory. The same researches have also shown that creatine helps with attention span. These benefits are enough for a second look as it may look help keep brain cells from atrophy. Additionally, if there is a history of alzheimer’s or dementia in the family, creatine supplements might help stave off the onset.

2. Chocolate. The effects of chocolate on the brain has long been documented. The flavanols in cacao enhances the brain’s cognitive functions. However, for best results it is suggested to have dark chocolate, preferably 90% and unsweetened. This almost pure chocolate is the upper limit of commercially available consumer class chocolate. Although clinical studies show that it has the least potency compared to others on this list, it is also inarguably the only item on this list which can be considered a fun food item.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Omega-3 Fatty Acids first became a food fad during the 1970s, after which there came concerns about the health benefits of cholesterol from fish fat. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids not only help prevent neurodegenerative diseases, but also age-related cognitive decline. Other benefits include the added ability to focus as well as acting as a mood enhancer.

4. Ginkgo Biloba extract. Ginkgo biloba has been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for thousands of years. It is a unique plant, in that it does not have any close relative. Its health benefits include helping stabilize blood pressure, as well as help against dementia. It can also help extend adult attention span. Other benefits include improvement of memory, and increased attention.

5. Bacopa Monnieri. This creeping herb has been used for centuries as a herbal medicine in its native India. It is one of those herbal medicines with a wide range of uses including antipyretic, sedative, and analgesic. As a brain food, it contributes to memory enhancement and cognitive performance.

There are other ingredients, drugs and supplements which have positive effects on brain functioning, memory, learning, and help fight dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The search for more and better brain food continues as the push for better intelligence, focus and learning intensifies. The above list serves as a good mix of reliable and proven ingredient. With more research into health food and food supplements, these items are expected to be on any list of beneficial foods in the coming years. With more data, it is expected that the proper dosage could be found. As it is, there is as yet no reliable minimum dosage instead there is a window or range of dosage where the benefits become significant.