Once upon a time, you could rattle off birthdays, phone numbers, and addresses, keep track of appointments without using a date book, and remember every funny story from your childhood.
Now, you’re lucky if you remember what you ate for lunch. If your memory batteries seem to be running low, try these tips for recharging them.
AIM FOR MORE ANTIOXIDANTS. Many foods contain naturally occurring chemicals that fight damaging free radicals in your body. Bata carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A is one of these antioxidants. By protecting your brain cells, bata carotene helps you think, reason, and remember. Unfortunately, millions of people throughout the world don’t
get enough vitamin A. Even just one milligram of beta carotene a day makes a big difference. Carrots, sweet potatoes apricots, tomatoes, broccoli, cantaloupe, and collard greens are all good sources.
Vitamins C and E also fight free radical damage and poor memory. In fact, vitamin E might help ward off Alzheimer’s. Look for vitamin C in oranges, grapefruit, broccoli, peppers, cantaloupe, and strawberries. You can find vitamin E in wheat
for vitamin E in wheat germ, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.
GATHER MEMORIES WITH HERBS. Ginkgo and ginseng both boost memory and concentration. They also fight stress and anxiety and give you energy.
In clinical studies, ginkgo increased blood flow to the brain by 70 percent in seniors. That means more brainpower and better short-term memory. This ancient hrb also helps fight absent-mindedness, confusion, tiredness, depression, dizziness, tinnitus, and headaches-all signs of dementia. Look for pure ginkgo biloba extract.

