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Wouldn't it be fantastic if you could eat something delicious and magically become smarter? Here on Earth, nothing like that exists; however, you can increase your brain's abilities by eating certain foods that "improve memory, mood, concentration and overall clarity" (Brantner, 2010). Read on for the best brain foods to eat while studying.
This fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids. "Your brain loves good fats like omega-3," according to Thad Phillips, a personal trainer at the University of Phoenix Rev Fitness Center who has studied nutrition for 15 years. Foods rich in omega-3 increase brain function. "If you're not a fan of fish, consider taking a fish oil supplement as an alternative" says Phillips.
Caffeine helps boost mental acuity, and coffee is full of antioxidants. "Think of antioxidants as a regeneration tool that protects the body and fights off toxins. Antioxidants are the superheroes that fight off the villains that enter your body," says Phillips. Antioxidants also help the brain function properly. Coffee contains caffeine, but be careful what you put in your coffee. Black coffee is best and the more you add to it, the less efficient it is. Green and black teas are also full of antioxidants.
"Fruits like blueberries, blackberries or veggies like spinach are an excellent source of phytonutrients, which promote good health," explains Phillips. These fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants as well, which help promote healthy brain activity.
Phillips thinks studiers can benefit from the fact that dark chocolate is antioxidant-rich and improves focus and concentration, he says. "The darker the chocolate, the better," Phillips adds. "Milk chocolate, white chocolate and even some candy labeled as dark chocolate are not good. It's best to go to an alternative grocer and buy a chocolate with a high percentage in dark chocolate on the label."
Foods like oatmeal and whole grain bread help improve blood flow, and good flow to the brain causes fewer mental speed bumps. Phillips warns to stay away from fast carbs like bagels and white breads because they offer little nutritional value and end up making you sluggish.
