Food is more than something to fill your stomach and satisfy hunger pains. Food is the fuel that feeds your body and keeps it functioning smoothly. It not only gives you the energy to get out of bed in the morning, but it keeps your most valuable asset, your brain, functioning correctly.
Your mental clarity, mood, memory, and ability to concentrate depending on the fuel you put in your body. A diet of donuts won’t keep you sharp and clear-minded.
If you find yourself forgetting your keys or struggling to keep up in work meetings, it may be time to ditch your current diet and replace it with brain-power foods that are proven to boost your memory and concentration.
Foods That Can Boost Memory and Concentration
1. Avocados
Guacamole lovers now have an excuse to throw an extra dollop of the avocado-based topping on their burrito. Avocados can be paired with almost anything, but they’re one of the world’s healthiest fruits with a beneficial fat content that keeps your blood sugar levels steady and skin glowing.
Avocados help improve overall cognitive function, specifically memory and concentration. They also contain vitamin K and folate, which protect you from stroke by preventing blood clots from forming in the brain.
2. Green tea
When mid-afternoon hits and your focus wavers, it may be time for a boost of caffeine. While coffee lovers may hit up the coffee pot, the addition of milk and sugar can quickly rack up your calorie intake.
The caffeine in green tea is balanced by the presence of theanine, an amino acid found in the beverage. Studies show that theanine also improves mental focus and alertness. In addition, green tea contains catechin, an active ingredient that some studies show can amp up your metabolism and lead to a higher calorie burn.
3. Blueberries
Not only are the tiny berries packed with an impressive number of antioxidants that protect against cancer, heart disease, and dementia, but blueberries can also boost concentration and memory for up to five hours.
The natural antioxidants in blueberries improve brain function by stimulating blood and oxygen flow to your brain to keep the mind fresh and alert. Grab a handful for a snack, or throw blueberries on top of your morning oatmeal.
