Your Health

With a few, well-chosen lifestyle changes, we can boost our brain’s health as well as mental clarity, mood, memory, and ability to focus. To achieve these goals, experts suggest the following practices and foods:

• Eating breakfast: Studies show that eating breakfast may improve short-term memory and attention. Students who consume breakfast tend to perform better than those who do not. Foods at the top of researchers’ ‘brain fuel’ list include high-fiber whole grains, dairy, and fruits. Research suggests that overeating and high-calorie breakfasts hinder concentration, and should be avoided.

• Green Tea: With a natural caffeine boost and theanine, green tea helps improve focus, speed, and accuracy.

• Sugar: Glucose, which the body processes from the sugars and carbs we eat, is the brain’s preferred fuel source. A glass of something sweet to drink can offer a short-term boost to memory, thinking, and mental ability

• Fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help to keep the brain healthy, a diet with higher levels of these healthy fats has been linked to lower dementia and stroke risks, and slower mental decline. These fats may play a vital role in enhancing memory, especially as we age.

• Nuts and Seeds: These are good sources of the antioxidant Vitamin E, linked in some studies to less cognitive decline in older age.

• Dark Chocolate: This contains powerful antioxidant properties and natural stimulants like caffeine, which can enhance focus.

• Avocados: Avocados reduce the risk of heart disease and lower bad cholesterol, lowering the risk of plaque buildup and enhancing blood flow.

Sources:

1. https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/ss/slideshow-brain-foods-that-help-you-concentrate
2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jennifercohen/2012/03/12/6-essential-foods-for-boosting-your-work-focus/#176e33e85df1
3. https://alifeofproductivity.com/9-brain-foods-that-will-boost-your-ability-to-focus/
4. https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/11/foods-for-energy_n_2852761.html?slideshow=true#gallery/285551/10