Finals are here, and that means we must do our utmost to keep our concentration level at its maximum. Here are a few food products that will help you sharpen your focus and enhance your memory together with your attention span.
1. Fish
A protein source linked to a great brain boost is fish, a natural food rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are key for brain health. These healthy fats have remarkable brain power.
2. Nuts and Chocolate
Nuts and seeds are good sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, which is linked to less cognitive decline. Dark chocolate also has other powerful antioxidant properties, and it contains natural stimulants like caffeine, which can enhance focus. Enjoy up to an ounce a day of nuts and dark chocolate to get all the benefits you need without excess calories, fat or sugar.
3. Avocados and Whole Grains
Every organ in the body depends on blood flow, especially the heart and brain. A diet high in whole grains and fruits like avocados can cut the risk of heart disease and lower bad cholesterol. This reduces your risk of plaque build up and enhances blood flow, offering a simple, tasty way to fire up brain
Even though avocados have fat, it’s the good-for-you, monounsaturated fat that helps with healthy blood flow.
4. Blueberries
Research shows that blueberries may help protect the brain from the damage caused by free radicals. Studies also show that diets rich in blueberries improve both the learning and muscle function.
5. Coffee
It might come as no surprise that coffee can help your mind feel sharper, but did you know that coffee affects men and women differently? Men actually feel more alert more quickly than women do after drinking a caffeinated beverage, according to research from the University of Barcelona. In the study, men reported feeling less drowsy after only 10 minutes and sustained the mental boost for a half hour. Women got a “kick” from the espresso, too, but rated it weaker than the men did. But women, it turns out, are more influenced by the placebo effect when it comes to caffeine. Just anticipating the stimulating effects of caffeine may be enough to feel them. When the same researchers had participants drink decaf, women reported feeling significantly more alert than men, who reported just a slight boost.
6. Gum
It’s not technically a food, but a study found that people who chewed gum during a stressful task were more alert than when they did the task without gum.
7. Apples
Apparently, an apple a day not only keeps the doctor away, but can also help you improve your study habits and academic performance as well. The peel of the apple includes a powerful antioxidant called quercetin that enhances memory function. Combine your daily apple with a plan for how to study effectively, and you can look forward to receiving better grades.
8. Pumpkin seeds
Just a handful of pumpkin seeds a day is all you need to get your recommended daily amount of zinc, vital for enhancing memory and thinking skills.
