“You are what you eat” does not only concern your body, but also your brain. Food has a great influence on humans and it can mean the difference between a couch potato and a motivated and healthy individual. So if you want to be the latter, here are some dieting tips that will ensure your brain is sharp, focused and motivated:
Wholegrains
First of all, you have to keep your brain well-fed to maintain any form of focus or cognition. Your brain needs a steady stream of energy that comes from glucose to concentrate and focus, so make sure to eat a good dose of wholegrains. Wholegrain ingredients have a low glycemic index which means they won’t cause a sudden rise and drop in blood sugar, but release energy slowly throughout the day. If you choose to follow the keto diet that doesn’t allow any carbs, you’ll notice irritability and brain fog, but when you introduce wholegrain cereal, rice, bread and pasta, you’ll see much clearer.
Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for brain health and focus. These fats have a great effect on the brain: they can help battle dementia, stroke, mental decline, memory loss and many other mental issues, especially those that come with age. Two servings of fatty fish are all you need, especially if you’re a hungry student preparing for a big exam.
Caffeine
Some substances like caffeine have an amazing ability to provide people with energy and help with focus. Caffeine is obviously found in coffee, but if you’re not a fan of this bitter drink, you can opt for gamer drinks that are tasty, easy to consume and full of beneficial brain ingredients like caffeine and Huperzine-A, Ginkgo Biloba, Alpha-GPC, DMAE and GABA. Together with caffeine, the mentioned nootropics and adaptogens help maintain focus, boost memory and provide better communication between neurons.
Nuts and chocolate
Vitamin E is a great antioxidant that is linked to better brain health in senior years, and nuts and seeds are full of it! Dark chocolate is also rich in this antioxidant, but also aforementioned caffeine which boosts focus. But make sure to be moderate with nuts, seeds and chocolate—an ounce a day will give you all the benefits without unnecessary calories.
Broccoli
If you want to improve focus, but also enhance brainpower, add some broccoli to your cooking. This plant is rich in something called glucosinolates that help prolong the life of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine that allow our nervous system to work and retain memories (people who have low levels of acetylcholine might be in danger of Alzheimer’s disease). Other veggies from the family of broccoli such as kale, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts also contain glucosinolates, so consider them as well to add some variety to your plate.
Blueberries
Blueberries are well-known superfoods that provide a great snack for your body and brain. According to research, blueberries can prevent short-term memory loss and improve memory altogether. Plus, they are tasty and beneficial for all the other parts of your body.
Sage
With a long reputation of being beneficial to the brain, memory and focus, sage is a great herb to add to your cooking. It will not only add a nice little twist to your meals but also boost your brain. When cooking with fresh sage, make sure to add it at the end of cooking to preserve all the precious oils and achieve the most aromatic taste. If you’re getting ready to cook with sage for the first time, try preparing a butternut soup, barley and sage rice or beef wrapped in sage, lemon and ham.
Ginseng
This plant is very well-known in the East, but we westerners still need to welcome it into our lives. Ginseng has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to boost energy, cognitive function and immunity—it can keep your focus strong for longer. Ginseng is a root that can be eaten raw or steamed, and you can grate it over soups and salads. It can also be made into tea and enjoyed throughout the day.
These foods will not only satisfy your physical hunger but also keep your brain sharp, focused and productive. What’s more, they’ll also help to improve your dental health! If you’re looking for a dentist to schedule routine checkups, check out this cosmetic dentist In Plantation. There will be no goal you won’t be able to reach!
