All of us seek to gain more focus and memory power so that we can retain more information, easily learn new concepts, and get things done. Your brain is a valuable asset which you can hone to your advantage. By taking care of your brain to keep it healthy, you can accomplish so much – basically any goal you set your mind to.
While there are several strategies that enable your brain to develop more connections and perform at its peak, one of the most practical and effective things you can do is to find healthy food to snack on in between meals. Yes, that’s right. Healthy snacks.
A lot of people sabotage their snacking habits thinking that what they eat in between meals won’t make any difference to their overall health. If you want to have a better brain health, take an active part in being a responsible “snacker”.
Here is a list of the best snack foods to supercharge your focus and memory.
- Almonds
The most popular snacks for brain health are almonds. Almonds are among the world’s healthiest foods and that is because they’re rich in vitamin E.
Vitamin E is often overlooked when we talk about brain health. People often associate vitamin E with cardiovascular and skin health. This powerful antioxidant does not only balance your cholesterol levels and fight free radicals, it also slows down the decline of memory. In fact, vitamin E is being used as part of the overall treatment for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Aside from snacking on almonds alone, you can use them as a topping for your Greek yogurt or oatmeal.
- Avocadoes
There are several ways to eat avocadoes for snacks. Sprinkle your favorite seasoning on an avocado or mash it to make a healthy dip. Avocado is a creamy fruit that’s comparable to blueberries when it comes to keeping your brain healthy. It contains monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) – the good kind of fats.
According to Dr. Wenk of Psychology Today, monounsaturated fats influence the increase in the production of acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter that improves cognitive function. Acetylcholine does this by keeping the brain focused and alert. Moreover, it plays a vital role in the creation of new memories.
- Sardines
Sardines is a brain boosting snack you can enjoy at the comfort of your own home. Just don’t bring this to the office! Sardines is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. These are healthy fats that our bodies need. The benefits of these fats include protection from dementia and improvement in memory and mental performance.
The human body doesn’t synthesize omega-3 fatty acids so we need to obtain them from the food we eat. If you want other snack options that give you a good dose of omega-3, try salmon, anchovies, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
- Water
Your body is made up of about 60% of water and this alone should be a good reason to drink water throughout the day – even if you don’t feel thirst at all. Failure to keep your body hydrated with water can lead of problems like difficulty in focusing, forgetfulness, and mental fatigue.
Remember that you continuously lose water through your urine, sweat, and breath. Make it a habit to bring water with you to the office. Take frequent sips while working. Instead of going for diet soda during snack time, load up on water instead. You’ll notice the difference in your performance.
- Blueberries
Without a doubt, blueberries are among the healthiest and yummiest snacks that slow down the process of memory decline and improve your ability to learn. According to an article on Health, people who drank blueberry juice daily for two months have shown an improvement in learning and memory.
What makes blueberries a brain power booster is that they contain high levels of antioxidants that protect our brains from getting damaged. Antioxidants enhance the flow of blood to the brain and this leads to a significant improvement in one’s focus and memory.
There are several ways for you to eat blueberries during snack time. Eat it raw, use it as a main ingredient for your smoothie, or mix it with your favorite Greek yogurt.
Conclusion
Eating the right snacks is an excellent way to give your brain the nutrients it needs to function at its best and reduce the risk of declining as you age. Whether you’re at home or at work, make sure to include these brain boosting snacks in your priority list. You’ll notice a positive change in your thinking performance over time. Remember that your brain is a vital part of who you are. Give it the care it deserves.
