How Memory Works
Memory involves acquiring, storing, and retaining information that you can retrieve later. The efficiency of your short and long-term memory depends on how well the brain conducts these processes. But, as we age, our memory declines due to multiple changes in our bodies, which is why maintaining memory is something we all work on.
Eating high-quality foods containing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants helps to nourish the brain and protects it from cell damage. The best diet includes vegetables, fish, fruits, and lean meats.
Another effective way to boost and protect your memory is by drinking herbal tea. Medicinal herbs can help combat cognitive decline and promote brain connections thanks to their antioxidant content.
If you’re looking for the best teas to improve your memory and concentration, here are some memory tea suggestions, including nootrobics tea and brain tea.
1- Ashwagandha Tea
Glycowithanolides found in the root of Ashwagandha have splendid effects on cognitive function improvement such as memory, attention, and decision-making.
One placebo-controlled study proved an increase in sensorimotor function, auditory reaction time, and mental arithmetic ability, which makes Ashwagandha the best accelerator for brain functions (1).
2- Yerba Mate benefits
Consuming this herb provides a natural way to enhance short and long-term memory. Polyphenols in Yerba Mate consist of effective antioxidants that stimulate the secretion of dopamine (the feel-good hormone). This, in turn, reduces the oxidative stress of the brain leading to enhanced memory function (2).
Yerba Mate is also rich in several vitamins, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, all of which contribute to Mate’s neuroprotective properties.
3- Matcha Tea
L-Theanine is a rare amino acid in Matcha tea that helps boost the motor skills and focusing ability of the brain.
Research shows that Matcha powder benefits brain function in several ways. It alleviates the symptoms of brain fog and forgetfulness, and even combat neurodegeneration that comes with aging, which is why it’s the best tea for brainpower (3).
4- Gotu Kola Tea
Gotu Kola is an Ayurvedic tonic herb that naturally increases brain function. It helps the brain regenerates cells by stimulating the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factors, which supports cell production and increases neuroplasticity.
It also enhances memory because its compounds increase blood flow and collagen production while reducing oxidative stress.
A study examined the effects of Gotu Kola extract on vascular cognitive performance. They found that folic acid and Gotu Kola helped improve brain power and mental focus after a stroke (4).
5- Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is the most well-known herb in terms of providing a memory boost. Early studies have shown the herb’s ability to protect nerve cells, and this positive effect has been studied in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients with very powerful results (5).
The two compounds that are thought to be responsible for these effects are flavonoids and terpenoids which are found in the leaves of this herb. This makes Ginkgo Biloba an excellent tea for memory retention.
6- Lion's Mane Mushroom Tea
Lion’s Mane Mushroom supports memory and cognitive function. It boosts memory through two main mechanisms. By stimulating the synthesis of the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which is necessary to keep neurons healthy and strong, and by reducing the effects of the amyloid ß(25-35) peptide that contributes to Alzheimer's and causes learning and memory problems.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed on elderly Japanese diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. In comparison to the placebo group, the Lion's Mane group showed significantly higher cognitive function scores after eight weeks (6).
7- MCT Coconut Oil
Ketone bodies produced by metabolized coconut oil are responsible for MCT's ability to improve cognition. Neurons in the brain use these ketones for fuel, thus improving cognitive function.
A significant improvement in memory was observed in patients with memory impairment after receiving oral supplementation with MCT (7).
Brain Tea
Our Brain Tea makes it easy for you to have access to this extraordinary blend, which include Ginkgo Biloba, Gotu Kola, MCT Coconut Oil, Lion’s Mane Mushroom. Together these herbs provide a natural brain booster. Learn more about the recipe here.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes protecting our brain function and memory could be as easy as enjoying herbal teas. The benefits of these medicinal herbs have been utilized in traditional medicines for thousands of years and then later confirmed by science.
Findings confirm that consuming herbal tea may boost mental performance and slow brain deterioration in young, middle-aged, and elderly.
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References
(7)Effects of beta-hydroxybutyrate on cognition in memory-impaired adults - PubMed (nih.gov)