Eating foods rich in B vitamins and omega-3s, like hummus, can be a real memory booster, according to Samantha Heller, author of Get Smart. And these nutrients will be especially brain-friendly if you combine them with a few extra ZZZs.
The Hummus Has It
Hummus is a Mediterranean staple made from vitamin B6-rich chickpeas and high-in-omega-3 olive oil -- nutrients that Heller says are key to a swift, sharp memory. A spinach salad with a little drizzle of olive oil and vinegar will net you brain-friendly nutrients as well, because spinach is rich in B9. And tuna is another great source of both B vitamins and omega-3s.
Hummus is a Mediterranean staple made from vitamin B6-rich chickpeas and high-in-omega-3 olive oil -- nutrients that Heller says are key to a swift, sharp memory. A spinach salad with a little drizzle of olive oil and vinegar will net you brain-friendly nutrients as well, because spinach is rich in B9. And tuna is another great source of both B vitamins and omega-3s.
And a Side of Sleep
Sleep helps consolidate newly learned information into your memory bank. So when you're working on a brain-friendly menu, remember to hit the hay early, too. Heller notes that combining B vitamins, omega-3s, and better sleep is a surefire recipe for improving your recall. To improve your sleep habits, keep a regular sleep schedule, eliminate stimulating late-night activities like Web surfing, keep the bedroom dark and quiet, and put your mind at ease before bedtime with quiet activities like journaling or listening to music.
Sleep helps consolidate newly learned information into your memory bank. So when you're working on a brain-friendly menu, remember to hit the hay early, too. Heller notes that combining B vitamins, omega-3s, and better sleep is a surefire recipe for improving your recall. To improve your sleep habits, keep a regular sleep schedule, eliminate stimulating late-night activities like Web surfing, keep the bedroom dark and quiet, and put your mind at ease before bedtime with quiet activities like journaling or listening to music.
