Brain Foods for Concentration

Having trouble with concentration?  Take a look at these foods that can help remedy the problem.

Ginseng, Fish, Berries, or Caffeine

All the buzz about ginseng, fish, berries, or caffeine foods and dietary supplements that can do everything from sharpen your focus to enhance your memory, attention span, and brain function?  But do they really work?  As we age our body also ages.  But the good news is we can improve our chances of boosting our brain function by eating “smart” foods and drinks in our diet.

Caffeine Makes You More Alert

While there is no magic pill to boost our I.Q. or give us more smarts, certain substances like caffeine, may energize you and help you concentrate.  Caffeine, which you can find in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications, caffeine can give you that wake-up buzz, but it is short-term.  However, if you overdo it, caffeine can make you jittery and uncomfortable. 

Sugar Can Enhance Alertness

Sugar, not table sugar, but glucose, is the brain’s preferred fuel source as it is used by your body to process the sugars and carbohydrates you eat.  This is why a glass of a sugary drink can offer a short-term memory boost in thinking and mental ability.  But if you drink too much, the memory can be impaired along with the rest of you.  So drink sweetened drinks in moderation to enhance your memory without gaining pounds.

Eat Breakfast to Fuel Your Brain

Don’t want to eat breakfast, or you’re in a hurry to eat breakfast?  Studies show that eating breakfast can improve short-term memory and attention.  Students who eat breakfast tend to perform better than those who go without breakfast.  Foods that fuel the brain are those high in fiber like whole grains, dairy and fruits.  But don’t overeat, as a high-calorie breakfast may hinder concentration.

Fish Really Is Brain Food

Omega-3 fatty acids, the protein source found in fish, is the key to brain health.  These healthy fats have an amazing brain power that have links to lower dementia, stroke risks, lower mental decline, and may a have a vital role in boosting memory even as we age.

Add A Daily Dose of Nuts and Chocolate

Nuts and seeds have good sources of the antioxidant, vitamin E and is linked to a less cognitive decline as we age.  Dark chocolate is another source of antioxidant properties with natural stimulants like caffeine that can enhance our focus.  So enjoy an ounce of nuts or dark chocolate a day and get the benefits with a minimum of calories, fats and sugars.

Add Avocados and Whole Grains

All organs in the body depend on blood flow, more so the heart and brain.  Whole grains and fruits like avocados cut the risk of heart disease and lower bad cholesterol.  It also reduces the risk of placque buildup, enhances blood flow, and gives a tasty way to boost those brain cells.  Whole grains, like popcorn and whole wheat, contribute to the dietary fiber found in vitamin E.  Avocados have the good kind of fat, monounsaturated fat that helps with blood flow. 

Blueberries Are Super Nutritious

Studies in animals show blueberries help protect the brain from damage that is caused by free radicals.  It may also reduce the effects of age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.  So diets rich in blueberries improve learning and muscle function of aging rats and made them mentally equal to younger rats.

Benefits of a Healthy Diet

As trite as it may seem, a diet that lacks the necessary nutrients can hurt your ability to concentrate.  Eating too much or too little may also interfere with your focus.  While a heavy meal will make you feel tired, too few calories may result in distracting hunger pains.  So to benefit the brain, eat a well-balanced diet that is rich in a variety of healthy foods.

Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements

Store shelves have many supplements that claim to boost health.  While some may support brain-boosting supplements like vitamins B, C, D, Beta-Carotene, and Magnesium, may seem promising—supplements are only useful to people who lack that particular nutrient.  Research shows an cautious study about the effects of ginseng, ginkgo, and vitamin, mineral, and herb combinations and their impact on the brain.  It is recommended to check with your doctor.

Get Ready For a Big Day

Want to boost your ability to concentrate?  Start with a meal of 100% fruit juice, whole-grain bagel with salmon, and a cup of coffee.  In addition to eating a well-balanced meal, it is important to get a adequate rest the night before, stay hydrated, exercise to sharpen thinking, and meditate to clear thinking and be able to relax. 

In conclusion, we all are looking for way to boost our brain function, but a healthy well-balance meal rich in fruits and vegetables as well as fish with a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids seems to give these benefits.