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In a study published by American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers tested people aged between 65 and 90 and discovered that people with best ability to memorize words were those whose diets included most fruits and vegetables.
Coincidentally, same group of people ate least artery-clogging saturated fat. Of all fruits and vegetables studied, blueberries and blackberries contain most potent antioxidants, anthocyanins.
4. Get Physical
Physical exercise not only boosts memory but also helps you think faster. A combination of mental and physical activities can protect your memory and help keep you alert.
The brain's processing speed gradually slows as you age. Between ages 25 and 55, many people begin to experience problems coming up with names or numbers. The memory is there. It just takes people longer to retrieve it.
Staying physically fit can ward off some of effects of age on brain. In real life, that could mean coming up with a forgotten name more quickly or jumping out of danger in face of an oncoming car.
5. Exercise Your Brain
Mental gymnastics are as important as physical ones to preserving brainpower.
Take up word games like crossword puzzles and acrostics. Memorize favorite poems, read challenging books or articles that encourage you to expand your interests.
Practice other-handedness. If you're right- handed, try brushing your teeth or writing your grocery list with your left hand.
Any activity that requires you to think and concentrate -- from keeping a journal or learning a new language to taking music lessons -- will challenge your brain.
And your brain will thrive on challenge.
Article © 2003 Murdo Macleod.
=========================================================== Murdo Macleod is a software developer and webmaster of 'Fun With Figures' website which shows anyone of any ability how to do mental math. Visit Fun With Figures website today at: http://funwithfigures.com/ ===========================================================
Murdo Macleod is a software developer and professional webmaster with a lifelong interest in psychology. His latest project is the 'Fun With Figures' website which he runs with mental math expert Kenneth Wiilliams, and shows anyone of any ability how to do mental math. The website is at: http://funwithfigures.com/