You told yourself that this semester would be different. You’d crack open your overpriced Lilly Pultizer agenda, get your recommended eight hours every night, and finally stop procrastinating on that 15-page research paper.
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Yet here you are again with only a few days until finals with a zillion things scribbled on your post-it note to-do list. You’ve already accepted the fact that you’ll be spending the better part of the next week holed up in the library until 4 am.
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But instead of reaching for the Red Bull and Cheetos during those all-nighters, try munching on these powerful memory boosting foods instead. Your brain and GPA will thank you. And besides, there’s always next semester to get your sh*t together, right?
1. Kale
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Sorry, kale haters, but this leafy green isn’t just a fad food. Kale’s nutritionally dense and full of vitamin E, folate, and vitamin K, all of which have been linked to improved memory. So swap the Cheez-Its for some Kale Chips or a vibrant Green Smoothie. Still anti-kale? Try other dark green veggies like broccoli or spinach.
2. Avocado
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Next time you’re at Chipotle, spend the extra bucks and treat yourself to some guac. Or, try one of these new ways to eat the creamy fruit. Healthy fats=healthy blood flow=happy brain. See, you’re already doing math.
3. Almonds
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Whether you eat ’em in these DIY Granola Bars or blitzed into creamy, dreamy almond butter, you’ll be reaping the benefits of this mighty nut that boasts high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and magnesium that’ll help strengthen the nerves in your brain.
4. Blueberries
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Everyone’s favorite pancake mix-in is actually highly regarded as one of the top memory boosting foods because they contain antioxidants and flavonoids, which can support overall brain function and may even lower your risk for future memory problems. Whip up a batch of these Blueberry Muffins that also contain flaxseed, another great superfood.
5. Fish
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Grill up some salmon or splurge on sushi for dinner the night before your huge bio final. Studies have found that eating fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and tuna, can help your memory and ability to concentrate. Hate fish? Try adding some chia seeds to your morning yogurt for an extra boost of omega-3s.
6. Red Wine
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You’d think drinking wine would have the opposite effect, but researchers have found that resvaratrol, a compound found in red wine and dark chocolate, can help improve your short-term memory. But be sure to limit yourself to a few glasses a week, or else you might sleep straight through your final, which would really suck.
7. Chocolate
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Yeah, seriously. One study found that people who ate chocolate performed better on memory tests. And, get this: chocolate consumption per capita positively correlates with the number of Nobel laureates from different countries. But stick to the dark variety, as it’s lower in carbs and sugar.
So study hard, snack often, don’t stress too much, and may the curve be ever in your favor.
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