Whether you find yourself drifting in concentration or finding difficulty in remembering little details here or there, here are some amazing foods to give you that extra brain boost!
Foods That Help You “Level Up”
- Coffee. If you’re sleep-deprived, you may find yourself reaching for that extra cup of coffee in the morning. That’s because coffee is known to aid concentration. Coffee contains caffeine and antioxidants which help increase alertness, improve mood, and sharpen concentration.
- Dark Chocolate. Looking for a sweet treat? Here you go! Chocolate is packed with tons of flavonoids, caffeine, and antioxidants. The flavonoids in chocolate are absorbed near the area of the brain that supports memory and learning.
- Berries. Similar to dark chocolate, berries have flavonoid antioxidants that give your brain a boost to support memory and learning! Blueberries and other deeply colored berries deliver anthocyanins, a group of plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Try sprinkling them on your breakfast cereal or adding them to a smoothie!
- Nuts and Seeds. Nuts and seeds contain beneficial amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for normal brain function because they support synaptic plasticity, improve learning and memory, and help the body/mind fight against such mental disorders as depression and mood disorders.
- Turmeric. This deep-yellow spice is a key ingredient in curry powder and has a number of benefits for the brain. It’s a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that has been linked to benefiting memory, easing depression, and helps new brain cells grow. To reap the benefits of turmeric, try cooking with curry powder by adding it to potato dishes to turn them golden or
making turmeric tea! - Broccoli. This tasty, green veggie is packed with antioxidants and is high in vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential for forming sphingolipids, a type of fat that’s packed into brain cells. Broccoli’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects also help protect the brain against damage.
For that quick extra brain boost- these are a great place to start! Overall, aim to consume the foods that are high in antioxidants, B vitamins, healthy fats, and omega-3 fatty acids for added brain support.
Written by Alexis Montgomery with contributions from www.qnlabs.com