#FoodPornFriday: Brain food for exam time
Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated and paying attention to your overall nutrition is a great way to complement your study habits.
Although most of our universities are up in flames and the country is scurrying around wondering whether or not we will have an educated population, exam time is indeed upon us, so #StudentsMustLearn!
To get you in the mood and to stop prolonging the agony of the books sucking life out of your entire being, we have come up with a list of fun snacks to help improve your brain power.
These quick ideas can easily be made in those many hours spent gaping, at that too long chapter, in the way too long textbook.
Top 10 brain foods:
- Fish
Fish has high concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are essential to proper neural function. Most of our brain is made up of fatty tissue, so it makes sense eating fish and other foods high in fatty acids would help us focus more and learn how to study more efficiently.
- Nuts
Go nuts! Like fish, many types of nuts such as almonds, pistachios, and walnuts contain high levels of essential fatty acids that help your brain to perform optimally. As an added benefit, nuts contain a good amount of iron and also provide oxygen to the brain which increases your mental alertness and ability to retain information. Since nuts are high in unsaturated fat, aka the “good” fat, and calories, they make great sources of energy as well. Sounds like a perfect recipe for better grades!
- Whole Grains
Whole grains can lead to enhanced memory function and even better grades. Chow down on whole grain breads, crackers, and pasta while you study for a quick energy boost.
- 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 on your next report card.
- Cruciferous Vegetables
In case you’re a bit rusty on your vocabulary, “cruciferous” vegetables make up a family of vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, and bok choy. These types of vegetables have the most positive effect on memory retention, meaning they are the most likely to help you achieve better grades. Eating these vegetables raw is the best way to get the optimal nutritional benefit, since cooking them often cooks out the nutrients your body and your brain need most.
- Dark Chocolate
Not just any variety will do, but a certain type of chocolate – dark chocolate – can feed the brain, not only by improving memory, but also by increasing blood flow to the brain, increasing alertness and clarity. The darker the chocolate, the more benefits your brain will receive.
- Spinach
Spinach definitely doesn’t top the list of popular vegetables, but it does make the cut when it comes to foods proven to boost brain power, and that could mean better grades for you. Spinach is chock full of folic acid and has even been shown to reverse memory loss. If you don’t like the taste of this dark green stuff, you can always use it in a recipe such as a quiche or a smoothie to mask the flavor.
- Berries
Colorful berries such as blueberries, cherries, black currants, raspberries, cranberries, blackberries, gooseberries, and even grapes have significant health effects directly related to brain function. Not only do these flavorful snacks reduce the level of toxins in your bloodstream, but they also contain phytonutrients and antioxidants that improve blood flow to the brain and enhance neural activity as well.
- Legumes
Beans such as chickpeas, kidney beans, and lentils contain substantial amounts of protein which power the brain and make studying a breeze. In addition, legumes of all varieties contain high concentrations of folic acid which improves your ability to recall information.
- Onions
In Eastern culture, onions have long been revered for their ability to improve important brain functions like memory and focus. Red onions in particular can help you achieve better grades, especially when combined with a program that teaches you how to study better using memory-boosting strategies.
These 10 foods can supercharge your study sessions. But don’t stop there!
Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated and paying attention to your overall nutrition is a great way to complement your study habits.
By eating right, you’ll be more likely to remain alert, focused, and energized while you study. So, if you really want to know how to study properly and retain more information than ever before, start feeding your body and your brain the foods they crave.
