5 Brain Foods To Get Your Mind Into Study Mode
Our bodies rely on the food, nutrients, and vitamins we pour into them on a daily basis to perform essential functions like cognitive thinking. Therefore, eating bagel bites and ice cream every single day as your main meal is not going to do your brain any favours. Countless studies have shown that the brain uses nearly 20% of the body’s calories to fuel all of its functions, which is why your daily nutrition schedule as a teenage student is so important.
Contrary to popular belief, brain foods don’t need to be boring and tasteless healthy food options. You might be surprised at the brain food selections available to you today. This is why we’re going to cover our 5 favourite brain foods that will put your mind into study mode immediately:
1. Berries:
Who doesn’t love berries? These naturally occurring, colourful, and sweet treats are generally a fan-favourite. It’s not hard to love raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries. These berries are rich in flavonoid antioxidants, which reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. As a result, studies have shown that berries improve communication between brain cells, reduce inflammation in the body, and create new brain cells that can boost memory recall and cognitive reaction.
2. Dark Chocolate:
Yes, even dessert can be brain food! Natural dark chocolate that hasn’t been watered down into milk or white chocolate is an excellent source of those antioxidants as well. Containing cocoa flavonoids, a 2013 review concluded that this component encourages neuron and blood vessel growth in parts of the brain that are involved with memory and learning.
3. Nuts:
Whether you fancy almonds, walnuts, peanuts, or even sunflower seeds, all of these tasty snacks are rich sources of Vitamin E, which protects cells from oxidative stress. Vitamin E has even been proven to enhance memory while stalling the formation of Alzheimer’s Disease – Woah!
4. Avocados:
Otherwise known as nature’s butter, avocados are an excellent source of unsaturated fat, which has been linked to the reduction of high blood pressure. Since high blood pressure has been linked with cognitive decline, keeping your blood pressure stabilized is important for your brain. Alternative natural fat options also include almonds, cashews, peanuts, soybeans, sunflower seeds, canola oils, and chia seeds.
5. Broccoli:
Probably the most controversial food in our list of 5 is broccoli. Hear us out: broccoli is a low calories source of dietary fiber, as well as isothiocyanates, which you guessed it: reduce oxidative stress. Broccoli also contains Vitamin C and flavonoids that further boost your brain health. Other alternatives include Brussel sprouts, bok choy, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale.
We all know a balanced healthy diet is best, but if you need a little studying pick-me-up, try and throw these 5 different foods and treats into your daily diet. In the most natural way possible, you will notice your test taking anxiety diminish through the right nutritional preparation. Brain food is an important part of the equation.