Healthy Foods that Help You Study

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Finding it difficult to concentrate when learning or remembering those tricky science fact and maths formulas? As well as good study guides, you need healthy and nutritious food to help you effectively focus on your studies and excel in exams. Read on for the best brain food that can boost your memory:

Fish

Fish is generally beneficial to your health, especially your brain. It contains omega-3 essential fatty acids that help to maintain brain function by providing more oxygen. This helps you to take in new information while still remembering old information. Eating fish at least once a week will decrease your chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease. The best fish for brain health is salmon, tuna, sardines and herring.

Wholegrains

Wholegrains come in the form of wholegrain bread, oatmeal and brown rice. They all increase blood flow to the brain, resulting in high quality brain function. Additionally, wholegrain foods contain vitamin B6, which is full of thiamine. Thiamine is beneficial in improving your memory. Eating half a cup of whole grain cereal or a wholegrain sandwich daily is a sufficient daily amount.

Blueberries

With the reputation as the ‘brain berry’, blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and can reduce your chances of getting Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Researchers have also proven in animal studies that blueberries improve memory. They’ve found that blueberries helped to greatly improve the learning capacity and motor skills of ageing rats, putting them on the same mental level of much younger rats. To get a great memory boost like that, eat one cup of fresh, frozen or freeze-dried blueberries every day.

Leafy green vegetables

Vegies like cabbage, kale and spinach are full of vitamins B6, B12, and folate. They help the brain by breaking down homocysteine levels that can cause forgetfulness. These vegies also provide iron. A lack of iron slows down cognitive activity. Eating these vegies will help you to always remember old information.

Beans

Beans stabilise blood sugar levels. As the brain can’t store the glucose it relies on, it needs energy which beans can provide. Eating half a cup of any beans such as lentils and black beans every day will be beneficial for your brain.

Avocados

Avocados contain good monounsaturated fat that helps achieve healthy blood flow. A healthy blood flow leads to a healthy brain. Avocados also reduce blood pressure, which is beneficial for good brain health. Because they’re also high in calories, it’s best to limit your portion to just a quarter or half an avocado per day.

Eggs

Eggs contain high levels of vitamin B12 and choline, significant nutrients for improving the brain and memory as ageing occurs. However, the egg yolk is high in cholesterol so eating one or two egg products daily is enough for brain health.

Nuts and seeds

Nuts contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, folate, vitamin E and vitamin B6. These nutrients help you to think clearly and positively. All nuts are good for the brain including peanuts, hazelnuts, cashews, almonds and walnuts. Look out for unsalted nuts to reduce sodium levels. Seeds like pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds contain thiamine and magnesium, which develops memory and cognitive function.

Freshly brewed tea

Tea contains some caffeine, which can increase memory and focus. It also contains antioxidants, most notably catechins. Catechins are great for a healthy blood flow and brain. This leads to a sharp and fresh mind. They also help the brain to relax and reduce mental fatigue. Both hot and iced tea, as well as tea bags, are great for brain functioning. Avoid bottled and powdered teas as they are not beneficial for brain health. Drink tea in the morning as this is the ideal time to give your brain a great start to the day.

Dark chocolate

You can enjoy small amounts of dark chocolate in moderation as a snack. It contains strong antioxidant properties and natural stimulants, including caffeine, great for a sharp brain and enhancing mood.

Include these foods in your diet and notice the improvement in your memory, concentration and capacity to study. You high exam results will help you gain acceptance into any university course you like, whether it’s a bachelor of business degree or a postgraduate medical course.