Best Brain Foods to Increase Concentration

Exams come with lots of pressure and stress for students, causing them to sleep less, eat unhealthy processed foods, and buckle down to study continuously. As you already have enough on your plate to worry about, the last thing that comes to mind is your health and well-being. But that shouldn’t be the case because unhealthy food habits and irregular sleep patterns can result in poor concentration levels and fatigue.

Research suggests a direct link between your brain and your gut, so what you eat affects your brain’s mental health. Also, according to a 2011 study, your brain consumes approx 20% of your body’s calories, and glucose is your primary fuel preference. So what you are eating will directly provide energy to your brain.

Although there are no superfoods available that will instantly boost your brain power for studies, there are some healthy snacks for students to increase their memory and concentration. Wondering what they are? Let’s take a look…

Best brain foods for study:

1. Dark chocolate:

We all possess a sweet tooth that craves chocolates now and then. Eating two pieces of dark chocolate is recommended instead of grabbing a milk chocolate bar. Dark chocolate is filled with antioxidants and natural stimulants like caffeine that’ll satisfy your cravings and provide enough energy to finish your study sessions. It also boosts your concentration by increasing blood flow and happy hormones- endorphins in the body. Remember to eat it in moderation since too much of anything is harmful.

2. Almonds:

Almonds are one of the best brain foods for students. Munching a handful of almonds while studying will provide you with essential protein and healthy fats that will satisfy your hunger and boost your concentration. If you are not a fan of almonds or are allergic to them, swap them with some plain roasted peanuts or pistachios. However, avoid eating salty or sugary versions of those nuts since too much sugar/salt is not good for your health in the long run.

3. Walnuts:

Walnuts are another best brain food for students that enhances your memory, focus, and concentration levels. They are rich in DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, with vitamin E and zinc known to improve the brain’s cognitive abilities. Eating a handful of them during or between study sessions will enhance your moods and reasoning skills.

4. Eggs:

Besides being a healthy snack for students, eggs are also considered as nature’s multivitamins because of the variety of nutrients they contain. Majorly they are a rich source of vitamin B12, selenium, and choline, which are the nutrients that are essential for brain development and proper functioning. They are also packed with iron and vitamins A, D, & E and are recommended to eat in the morning in any form you like – boiled, omelette, poached, or scrambled.

5. Fresh fruits:

When it comes to healthy snacks, fresh fruits are topping the charts almost everywhere. Memory-boosting fruits are apples, plums, bananas, and citrus fruits, which are rich in flavonoids and promote mental health with other health benefits.

6. Berries:

Often termed as nature’s superfood, berries are rich in antioxidants and a variety of compounds that helps in fighting against free radicals to promote brain health and academic performance. They also increase the brain’s blood circulation and support memory and learning. Hence, the benefits would be miraculous if you choose gooseberries or blueberries.

7. Pumpkin Seeds:

If you are searching for some late-night study snacks, pumpkin seeds are your besties. Pumpkin seeds contain zinc, proteins, vitamins, essential fatty acids, and minerals that enhance your metabolism, immunity, and brain functioning and keep students’ nervous systems healthy.

8. Cheese:

No, we don’t mean fried or junk food with cheese; instead, you should opt for a few slices of raw cheese to satisfy your hunger and craving and equip yourself with enough energy for rigorous study sessions. Also, cheese products are rich in vitamin B12, which helps your brain retain information for better recollection.

9. Smoothies:

Smoothies come into the category of one of the favourite late-night study snacks for students. Mix up some green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, and a scoop of protein powder to get that extra dose of energy you need for an effective study session. Avoid using sugar or artificial sweeteners as they crash your energy levels.

10. Greek Yoghurt:

Another delicious late-night study snack for all-nighters is Greek yoghurt. Since its protein content is higher than regular yoghurt and packed with gut-friendly probiotics and calcium, it will help curb your hunger and boost your energy levels for better concentration and focus.

These are healthy snack choices for students that you can consume between study sessions to improve your concentration, focus, and memory. Also, remember that nothing beats a well-balanced diet and adequate sleep when it comes to boosting mental health or physical well-being. Eat three nutritious meals daily and sleep for 7-9 hours daily. If you have any queries, comments, or suggestions, feel free to contact us, and we will gladly assist you.