A Simple Trick to Boost Brain Power (Backed by New Science)

Can a banana and a container of salt help you remember more?

Believe it or not, that quirky duo—along with a few small changes to your daily routine—might hold the key to better memory.

At least, that’s what new research suggests about how our brains absorb and recall information.

And whether you’re brushing up on medical knowledge, learning a new language, or just trying to remember where you left your keys, these findings are especially helpful for older adults looking to stay mentally sharp.

In a recent study, scientists found that novelty—doing something new or unfamiliar—primes the brain to learn better. Participants who explored a new virtual environment remembered more information than those who explored a familiar one.

So what does that mean in the real world?

Before diving into a mentally demanding task, take a walk somewhere new. Visit a different park. Browse a local art exhibit. Try a new grocery store. These small “new” experiences spark curiosity—and your brain responds by getting into learning mode.

Once you’ve primed your brain with something new, the next step is to connect unfamiliar information to what you already know. This technique helps your brain store the new memory more efficiently.

Here’s an example…

In a college course on brain chemistry, students struggled to remember how potassium and sodium ions behave inside a neuron.

So the professor introduced a memory aid—an image of a banana (which is high in potassium) next to table salt (sodium chloride).

The result? Test scores soared.

The abstract scientific concepts suddenly made sense—because they were tied to something familiar.

These links between concepts are called memory schemas. The more we link new ideas to existing knowledge, the easier it is to remember them later.

This explains why it’s often easier to remember information that’s interesting or personally relevant—because it’s already tied to something meaningful.

While this research may have focused on students, the implications go far beyond the classroom.

For seniors, staying mentally sharp is one of the best defenses against cognitive decline. And learning something new—whether it’s a skill, a fact, or a hobby—is one of the brain’s best workouts.

So, how can you use this research?

• Start with novelty. Walk a new path, read a different kind of book, or listen to unfamiliar music.
• Make mental links. When learning something new, tie it to something you already know (like that potassium-filled banana).
• Visual cues work. A simple image—even a silly one—can help embed new ideas more deeply.
• Keep learning. Staying curious is one of the healthiest habits you can develop, no matter your age.

Remember: A little bit of novelty + a familiar cue = stronger memory retention.

So the next time you want to absorb something new, consider taking a scenic detour first—and bring a banana.

Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team

P.S. For more natural ways to keep your memory sharp and your brain healthy, the Brilliant Brain Protocol from the Health Sciences Institute is your go-to guide. Discover 40 groundbreaking lessons on preventing and even reversing memory loss—without relying on Big Pharma’s empty promises.