Our brain is the operational system of our body and anything we consume affects how it functions. Food has an amazing ability to increase focus, regulate moods and affect your mental clarity. We all want to operate at our fullest capacity and the food we intake plays a significant role in staying energetic and active. If you’re looking to boost your focus and overall well being, here are some foods that you should definitely incorporate in your diet.
Fatty Fish
By now several studies have proven that eating fish is super healthy. The omega 3 content of fatty/ oily fish is exceptionally high. Omega-3s play a role in sharpening memory and improving mood, as well as protecting your brain against decline. It is proven that people who have deficiency in omega 3 are worse at learning new skills, studying and more likely to develop depression. It is recommended to eat fish at least 2-3 times a week and the best options are the fatty type of fishes such as salmos, cod, tuna or trout. If you are vegan or not a fan of eating fish, you can take Omega 3 supplements or choose terrestrial omega-3 sources such as flaxseeds, avocados, and walnuts.
Coffee
Are you a big coffee fan ? Good news! Drinking coffee in moderation is really beneficial for your health and your brain. Coffee is rich in antioxidants and caffeine and it boosts your concentration and alertness. Moreover caffeine may also activate some of your “feel-good” neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. Long term coffee drinkers have also lowered risk of developing neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Studies conducted by Johns Hopkins University also showed that people who drink coffee tend to have a better memory. Participants were asked to study a series of images and then take either a placebo or a 200-milligram caffeine tablet. Members of the caffeine group were able to identify the images in more numbers the next day.
Nuts
Nuts are super high in essential oils, amino acids and Vitamin E which contributes to better brain functions and memory. A study from 2014 found that an increased nut intake was linked to better brain function in older age. Not to mention that it is the healthiest satisfying snack you can imagine!
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is well-known from its brain boosting compounds. It is rich in caffeine, antioxidants and flavonoids. It will not only increase your focus but it is also proven that eating dark chocolate releases serotonin and endorphins (due to its magnesium content) which helps you destress and elevates your mood. Of course it doesn’t mean that you should start snacking on a whole bar of dark chocolate every day, but it does mean that eating dark chocolate in small doses can boost your mood and increase your focus!
Berries
Berries are amazing to boost your concentration, mood and memory due to their high flavonoids content. In addition blueberries also contain a bunch of antioxidants that are proven to help with staying mentaly fresh and delay any mental decline. It can be difficult to get berries fresh but it’s always available frozen and it is the perfect ingredient for a morning smoothie to start your day sharp.
Food has an incredible ability to keep your brain focused and raise your spirits. For peak performance and mental clarity, try to strategically incorporate some of the above in your diet.