By Kenneth Bui
Waking up on Monday mornings can sometimes be quite a challenge…
It can take a lot of time and effort to switch your brain “on” for school, and it may be difficult to maintain your focus and memory throughout the day. By Friday, you may feel tempted to switch your brain “off,” disconnect, and unwind because you’ve been on overdrive all week!
However, you do not have to feel that way. Try these 4 ‘superfoods’ to keep your brain energized and boost your focus and memory for a successful spring quarter!
- Blueberries Proving great things come in small packages, blueberries are the fruit because they have so many great health benefits along with a delicious taste! For starters, blueberries are full of antioxidants, including vitamin C and vitamin K. They are also high in fiber, low in glycemic index, and an overall wonderful snack. Additionally, blueberries are high in gallic acid, which can protect your brain from degeneration and stress from exams.
- Salmon If you like seafood, you will be excited for this one. Salmon is one of the most nutritious, brain food-friendly foods in the market! It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for proper brain function. These fatty acids can also help improve memory and prevent cancer!
- Walnuts It turns out snacking on walnuts once a day can help improve your brain function and cognitive health! They are a good source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, natural phytosterols, and antioxidants, which have been shown to reverse brain aging. Walnuts can also help fight against inflammation in your body and support heart health. So next time you’re looking for a snack, go nuts and grab a handful of walnuts!
- Avocados While avocados have a bad reputation for having a high fat content, it important to note the type of fat they carry, which are monounsaturated or the “good” type of fat. Monounsaturated fats can help keep your blood sugar levels steady and your skin radiant. Containing both vitamin K and folate, avocados help prevent blood clots in the brain as well as improve your memory and concentration. They also have the highest protein and lowest sugar content compared to other fruits. Add this green machine to your next sandwich, salad or smoothie for a great delicious, nutritious brain boost!
Research has shown that people who frequently eat these 4 brain foods are able to perform better on cognitive tests than those who do not. Combined with good sleep and regular physical activity, these “superfoods” can help you perform at your best. Boost your brainpower and add these four superfoods to your next snack or meal more often to help give you an edge over your “zombie” classmates!
Sources:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/01/12/top-7-brain-foods.aspx
Healthy Aggies at UC Davis 