Foods that Help Your Brain Study Smarter
Vianette Alvarado
Have you thought about eating foods that could make you smarter? What if I told you it can help with your studies? Being a student at Life University and in the Nutrition Department enhanced my knowledge of foods good for the functioning of the nervous system. Most foods that are part of a healthy diet are known to help brain development, lower anxiety levels and are a good source of essential amino acids. Sadly, few people know about these advantages.
It all starts with breakfast; “Most college students have a routine of not eating breakfast,” said Carter Rogers in his article Nutrition, academic performance linked to a healthy morning meal. Experts such as Dr. Christina Economos warn that skipping breakfast can have negative consequences on weight and academic performance. It can help in every part of the day, as a snack, lunch, and even diner.
That being said, here are some food choices to make your day better. For starters, avocado with scrambled eggs provide both high protein and fats to build energy that will last the entire day. You can eat them any hour of the day. Secondly, fruits in general can help to give you enough energy to last the entire day. A good example is blueberries; they are said to be the best brain food on earth. They have been shown to improve learning ability and motor skills; also they are one of the most powerful anti-stress foods you can eat.
Another essential for your brain is the wild salmon, which contains Omega-3 fatty acids. They are linked to improved cognition and alertness, reduced risk of degenerative mental disease, as well as improved memory and mood, and reduced depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity. Salmon is a perfect dish for lunch or dinner.
In addition, there are different kinds of seeds, such as sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seed, and tahini. Seeds contain protein, helpful fats, and vitamin E, as well as stress-fighting antioxidants and important brain-boosting minerals like magnesium, also beneficial to the brain. College students tend to underestimate the benefits of seeds, but their nutritional properties are countless.
Coffee serves as a good energy drink. Coffee contains fiber and has shown benefits to your brain, in addition to providing an energy boost. Try not to use sugar when you are drinking coffee, to avoid extra calories. Coffee also should be used in moderate amounts due to the fact that caffeine is addictive and withdrawal effects can be a little overwhelming. In reasonable amounts, coffee can be very beneficial for everyday activities.
Furthermore, avoid eating or drinking foods that can drain your brain. A vivid example is alcohol, which kills brain cells; can reduce brain function and cause energy loss. Avoid eating high amounts of corn syrup and sugar in order to avoid high caloric contents. Also avoid nicotine, which is very addictive and dangerous for the health. Also remember to always eat light, as high carbohydrate meals will tend to make you sleepy and sluggish.
In conclusion, there are many healthy choices of foods that can help with brain development and functioning. These foods can enhance the effectiveness of our study skills and intelligence, improve our concentration during class, exams and daily life activities. Healthy choices can also help with stress control and anxiety relief. In addition, avoiding some foods and toxic habits will help you to succeed in life and take care of your body and health.
