Make holiday memories last!

'Tis the season for making happy memories we want to cherish for years to come. The key: optimizing levels of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). It's so crucial for brain-cell growth and repair that experts have dubbed it 'Miracle-Gro for the brain.' And according to a JAMA Neurology study, keeping BDNF levels high can slash women's risk of memory loss by up to 56%. Plus, findings in Pharmaceutics reveal BDNF protects against depression too. To boost levels naturally, just...

- Melissa Gotthardt

Savor turkey or a juicy steak

Beef and poultry are stellar sources of zinc, a mineral that's crucial for BDNF production. That's the reason a study published in the journal Nutrition Neuroscience found significant upticks in BDNF among people who increased their intake of zinc for 12 weeks. Other tasty foods that deliver ample amounts of the mineral include pumpkin seeds, cashews, cheddar cheese and shrimp.

Sip homemade hot cocoa