With finals coming up, I'm on the lookout for some tricks and hacks that'll help with improving focus and boosting my memory, making me study better and help me do good in my exams. I'm a lazy and distracted person so the note-making and learning gets quite tedious at times making me lose focus. But recently I learned that there's a buzz about some foods that can do everything, from sharpening and improving focus to enhancing memory, attention span, brain function and boost concentration.. I mean, eating to get better grades? Sign me up please!
Here, I’ve rounded up 10 brain foods you should be eating to feed both your mind and body. With a mix of fruits, veggies and chocolate (yes, chocolate!), there’s something to please everyone and help get better scores this exam season!
1. Walnuts
Turns out, not only does a walnut look like a brain but eating walnuts can improve your cognitive health! Their high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals improve mental alertness and the vitamin E in them can also help ward off Alzheimer’s. Its a win-win for both the present and the future you!
2. Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the most antioxidant-rich foods containing Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Fiber. Because of their high levels of gallic acid, blueberries are good at protecting our brains from degeneration and stress thus boosting the brain power and improving memory and motor function. And they're delicious which is always a plus!
3. Salmon
If you're into seafood and love fish, get excited, because salmon is one of the most nutritious, brain friendly foods out there. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids which help keep the brain running smoothly, improve focus and boost your memory, making it a perfect meal for exam season!
4. Dark Chocolate
YUM. Dark chocolate is packed with some brain-boosting compounds, including flavonoids, caffeine and antioxidants. These compounds in dark chocolate improve focus, boost memory, attention span and problem-solving skills by increasing blood flow to the brain. They help slow down age-related mental decline and are also a great stress buster! It's the perfect fix for exam time.
5. Broccoli
I don't really enjoy eating it but broccoli is one of the best brain foods out there. It's rich in calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B, beta-carotene, iron and high fiber. Thanks to its high levels of vitamin K and choline, it helps keep your memory sharp. Well, anything to ace the exams this year!
6. Egg Yolk
That's right, eggs can help boost your memory! Yolks contain large amounts of choline, a nutrient which serves multiple integral brain functions. They also contain vitamin B-12 which is essential for proper brain functioning in terms of mental health, nervous system health and cognitive activity. Egg-tastic.
7. Spinach
This leafy green is one of the best sources of iron and is responsible for slowing down the brain's ageing process. Spinach is beneficial for improving your ability to focus and for overall cognitive functioning as it is loaded with both Vitamin B and Folate, which are quite important for brain function.
Popeye was definitely onto something.
8. Almonds
Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E, B vitamins, essential minerals – like calcium, magnesium and potassium – and healthy fats. Also being sources of lean protein, they aid the body to repair brain cells thus helping to improve cognitive function and boost your memory and focus.
9. Turmeric
This super spice has been used for its healing properties throughout history. Turmeric is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory agents. It helps boost antioxidant levels and keeps the immune system healthy, while also improving the brain's oxygen intake, keeping you alert and helping in processing information.
10. Green Tea
All hail the green tea! Not only does green tea aids in losing weight, but it also helps with improving focus. It contains caffeine, which in small amounts helps with alertness. Green tea directly enhances the working memory and has been shown to block harmful proteins in Alzheimer's disease that cause memory loss.
We're definitely covered this exam season!