https://unsplash.com/photos/xIDf1bUYCf8
Do you find that you struggle for concentration when you are at university or work? If so, you are never going to be able to focus intently and work to the levels you expect of yourself. There are a number of ways you can improve your concentration, and one of these options is to make some changes to your diet. By eating more brain foods, you will find that you are in a better mind state to work effectively. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the best foods for improving concentration and focus.
Nuts – If you are looking for a tasty and beneficial snack to enjoy during the day, there is nothing better than nuts. Not only are they easy to take to work with you, but also they are amazing for your body in the long-term. This is because seeds are nuts are excellent sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, which is linked with less cognitive decline as you get older. To get this benefit, you only need an ounce per day. Nuts can also aid your focus because they are rich with amino acids and essential oils.
Flax seeds – Flax seeds are high with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, and magnesium, which you will find is the case for a lot of the foods that are going to be mentioned in this post. This is because they all assist with weight loss, mental clarity, and ultimately, focus. There is no denying that flax is a supper food. However, once you buy them, make sure you grind them so that your body can digest them. Unlike other foods mentioned, you cannot eat flax seeds alone, but don’t worry, as it is easy to sneak them into your diet. You can sprinkle some on your salad at lunch, or why not mix some in with your oatmeal or yogurt?
Dark chocolate – A lot of people will be delighted to see that dark chocolate is on the list. For most people, when they are feeling in need of energy and a boost a work, they opt for sweet treats and junk food. While this can make you feel more alert at that moment, you will soon crash, and the effects are not long lived. However, dark chocolate enables you to find a happy medium. You still get a delicious treat, without all of the sugar and the calories. So, how does dark chocolate help you to improve concentration? There are actually a number of ways. Firstly, it contains magnesium, which can help to stimulate the release of serotonin and endorphins while also ensuring you de-stress, resulting in better clarity and focus. It also heightens mental alertness because it contains a small amount of caffeine. Needless to say, you should only have a small amount of dark chocolate per day. We’re not advocating that you eat a huge brick’s worth, as tempting as it can be!
Water – If you are not getting your recommended dose of water per day, then it is of little surprise that you are struggling to concentrate. You need to drink enough water if you want to improve your focus. This is because water gives the brain the electrical energy that is needed for all functions, and of course, these functions including the memory process and the thought process. Water is critical to every single function of your body, and so it is vital that you get enough of it.
Fatty fish – Opting for a fish-based dish for lunch comes highly recommended. This is because of the Omega-3 fatty acids that are contained in oily and fatty fish. Omega-3 fatty acids help to aid behavioral function, mental performance, and memory. People who do not have enough omega-3s are more likely to have fatigue, depression, mood swings, and poor memory. Fish has been proven to improve your mood and concentration. You can also easily order fresh fish online and prepare your own fish salads and other fish-based meals for lunch. Good choices when it comes to fatty fish are kipper, pilchards, sardines, herring, mackerel, trout, and salmon. You may want to look at the best air fryer for small family and you can cook healthy chips to go with your fish.
Leafy green vegetables – It would not be right to put this post together without mentioning some vegetables. Leafy green vegetables are full of carotenoids and antioxidants, which will help to protect your brain and improve your brain power. In general, the greener the vegetable is, the better, so you can count spinach as a great choice. Leafy green vegetables are also beneficial because they contain B-vitamins, which are proven to help your overall brain power and health, focus, and memory, as well as folic acid, which boosts mental clarity too.
Green tea – Last but not least, we have green tea, which should be your choice of drink throughout the day. There are two reasons why green tea helps you to concentrate. This includes the fact that it contains l’theanine, and secondly, because it contains caffeine. You are probably wondering what l’theanine is. This is an ingredient that has been proven to boost alpha-wave activity, which releases caffeine more slowly – reducing the chance of you crashing – as well as increasing tranquility. The two ingredients combined ensure you improve your accuracy and speed while you can concentrate better and for longer. Switching from coffee to green tea can make a massive difference, helping you get through your afternoon lulls at work.
So there you have it: some of the best foods for improving concentration and focus. Think about how you can make some changes to your diet so that you can incorporate more of the foods that have been mentioned above into your daily diet. If you are able to do so, you are bound to notice some improvements, and these improvements will only get greater over time as your body and mind become accustomed to your new diet choices.