You might be having a day where your brain power is in high demand and forgetting important things becomes the norm. Sometimes, we just need a little boost in our diet or the foods that we eat to help sharpen our memory and thinking capacity.
The good news? There is a wide array of healthy snacks and drinks that can make it easier for you to remain focused and mentally sharp, especially when you need your memory to be on point for your kids.
Additionally, there are a lot of foods that can slow the progression of memory loss diseases like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The memory-boosting snacks that we’ll share here can also serve as an excellent and delicious supplement to help sharpen their mental abilities.
If you’re keen to learn more about what you can guiltlessly eat to power your memory, we’ve listed a few notable snacks to energise your brain and make it more ready to take on whatever task you throw at it. And to top it off, we’re going homemade: no ultra-processed junk or excess sugars here!
Read on for a list of these easy-to-make, homemade snacks that can boost your mental capabilities and sharpen your memory.
Apple Slices With Cinnamon and Peanut Butter
Another brain-boosting treat you can try to sharpen your memory is the classic combo of apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon and topped with a moderate helping of peanut butter spread.
This creamy and sweet concoction is not only deliciously addictive, but it’s also a good mental booster for a variety of reasons. For one, apples contain antioxidants called quercetin. This compound protects the brain from oxidative damage, improving memory in the process.
Cinnamon, aside from adding a spicy kick to the snack, also helps reduce brain fog in people with Alzheimer’s.
Peanut butter (or any type of nut butter, for that matter), when taken in moderation, can also improve the brain cell structure and neuron communication due to the high presence of healthy monounsaturated fats. Peanut butter also contains protein, which is a building block of the brain and helps contribute to its structure.
As the old saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. So why not munch on this snack and add a little flavour flair to keep things interesting?
Blueberry Oats
Want a quick snack to go in the morning or afternoon? Then consider rolling oats and blueberries in one healthy, brain-enriching snack. This combination is a great brain booster for several reasons.
For one, blueberries contain anthocyanins, which are compounds known for having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This helps keep inflammation low, which in turn, reduces the risk of the body acquiring neurodegenerative diseases or age-related brain decline.
Furthermore, rolled oats are a great source of carbohydrates that keep the brain’s energy levels high. This helps improve concentration and reduces those occasional moments of forgetfulness in one’s day-to-day life.
So, how can you prepare a blueberry oat snack?
Well, there are several approaches, but the easiest way to do one is to prepare rolled oats, dried blueberries, peanut butter, chia seeds, and honey. Then, mix all the ingredients in a bowl and chill the mixture in the fridge. You can cool batches of this snack overnight and portion it on a snacking plate once you’re hungry. Simple as that!
Memory-Powered Smoothies
If you’re time poor and don’t have time to whip out a bowl and baking mixes, a straightforward snack you can take to boost memory is a powdered smoothie! Adding in all of your favorite fruits, some Greek yogurt and maple syrup paired with the memory boosting Souvenaid supplement will support memory function, particularly in people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s.
What makes a smoothie like this an excellent memory booster are the ingredients in Souvenaid, as their delicious flavourings are also clinically proven to aid brain function. For instance, this drink contains uridine 5’-monophosphate, a nucleotide that promotes the synthesis of RNA, neurotransmitters, and other brain-boosting compounds.It also contains choline, which helps promote memory and learning. It’s also infused with many vitamins and minerals to support mental cognition, namely vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and vitamin B6.
To prepare this drink, simply mix one scoop of the powdered Souvenaid with about 125 mL of water or your preferred milk or smoothie alternative. Stir well or shake in a bottle until fully dissolved. Be sure to discuss your plan to take this supplement with a medical professional to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with other medications you’re taking.
Sweet Potato Toast With Banana and Nut Butter
Another delightfully delicious snack you can prepare is a baked sweet potato snack with banana and a nut butter of your choice. Sweet potatoes are among the highest-quality carbohydrates out there, providing essential vitamins like Vitamin A to the body through beta-carotene.
This crop is naturally sweet, making it an excellent base that you can easily snack on individually or pair with an easy homemade dish. Banana slices are an excellent topping choice because of their high potassium and vitamin B6 content, both of which help in sharpening neurotransmitter function and working memory.
Moreover, nut butter is also a good topping choice because of its inherently high monounsaturated fat and magnesium content. All these ingredients are also full of fibre, helping support a good gut and energy levels. All of these ingredients paired together create a symphony of sweet, creamy, and delicious flavours in a single bite.
Steak Sandwich with Whole Grain Bread
Don’t think for a second that we forgot about savoury and hearty meals! A great snack you can have to boost brain function is lean red meat, such as grilled sirloin steak, sandwiched between wholegrain bread and green leafy vegetables like arugula.
This combination is not only filling, but it also helps reduce mental fatigue and keeps the brain mentally sharp. For one, lean meats are rich in zinc, protein, and vitamin B12, which helps promote cellular repair and neurotransmitter connections in the brain.
Wholegrain bread is chosen over white bread here thanks to its lower sugar content and its ability to provide more stable, sustained energy throughout the day. Arugula is rich in folate and antioxidants, helpful in boosting brain function and mental energy.
You can top off the meal with a spread of hummus for its healthy fat content. Mustard works well too.
Turmeric-Roasted Chickpeas with Sea Salt
If you want to stick to a vegan-friendly diet that’s also savoury, then turmeric-roasted chickpeas are a decent go-to snack during the middle of the afternoon.
This snack is not only crunchy and delicious, but it’s also packed with complex carbs that can give the brain a boost of mental energy and clarity. Moreover, this meal is also topped with turmeric spices, which contain a compound called curcumin. This compound has been linked with reducing cognitive decline, making it a great addition to this snack.
You can add a couple of ingredients to add a pop of flavour and some brain-boosting benefits too. For instance, olive oil has high levels of monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, which are potent memory boosters. Cumin is another spice you can add for its antioxidant boost—paprika, black pepper, and chilli flakes all individually help too.
We hope these homemade snack ideas will keep your mind sharp and stomach satisfied. All the best in staying healthy and mentally active!