Friday, December 23, 2011

Brain foods for Better concentration

Power up your ability to concentrate with highly effective brain foods!!! What you eat and drink can have direct effect on brain’s energy, how well you concentrate, how the mind handles tasks, how you feel, and how strongly you experience test anxiety. Making the right choices among foods, especially nutrients found in foods that boost cross-linking and neuron firing in the brain can truly help to get better concentration. An old proverb also says; “We are what we eat”. Certain types of food boost memory and brain activity while some kinds of food harm it. Stomach is the better path to ones brain; the foods that improve our concentration, memory, mood, and overall clarity and make our brain sharp, nourished, young and active at all are called brain booster foods.
Brain foods for Better concentration

Brain also starts to age along with the body. On aging our brain cells and neurons lose their efficiency. To get back these lost neurons and remain young at brain forever, you can do lots of things but foods play a vital role to maintain activities of our brain. One’s diet must be a rich combination of whole wheat grains, cereals and other such essentials. Want to keep your mind sharp and active? Check out the foods provided below and also ensure to include them in your daily diet as they can help you to concentrate, control stress, increase memory & tune sensorimotor skills, speed up your reaction time, keep you motivated, and even decelerate the aging of brain cells!

1, Berries

Both blueberries and acai berries are good for brain as they serve an extensive range of functions for improving mental function and mood. They are good source of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Research has shown that blueberries may help to defend the brain from the free radical damage and may decrease the effects of age-related conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Studies have also shown that diets high in blueberries notably improves both the learning and muscle function. High antioxidant levels help to increase blood flow to the brain; means it will work better. Omega-3 fatty acids works on mood so you can increase your confidence level.

2, Fish or Wild Salmon

A great source of protein, fish is a great brain boost as it is a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids which are necessary for brain function and development. In the brain, the most important polyunsaturated fatty acid found is the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. Consumption of food rich in omega-3 such as wild-caught salmon can augment mood and the functions of brain such as listening, reasoning, responding, etc. These healthy fats have marvelous brain power; they are associated to slower mental decline; lower dementia and risks of stroke; and may play an imperative role in boosting memory, particularly as we get older. If you are allergic to fish, you can try walnuts.

3, Coffee to Stay Alert

Till now, no magic bullet has been found to power up your ability to concentrate or to boost IQ. However, certain substances such as caffeine can energize and assist you to focus and concentrate. Caffeinated coffee is a classic remedy for drowsiness; it provides you that instantly recognizable wake-up buzz-- however the effects are short term. Caffeine promotes your brain cells to be more active and provides you a burst of energy. Avoid taking too much caffeine as it can make you uncomfortable and jittery. Caffeine is also found in energy drinks, chocolate, and some medications. Too much caffeine binds to certain cell receptors in the brain, which would normally absorb a substance that turns off electrical activity and makes you drowsy.

4, Dark Chocolate

Maybe, you have heard that higher amount of dark chocolate can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol level due to its powerful antioxidant properties i.e. obtained from the flavonoids. However, dark chocolate has also natural stimulant properties; one of the best uses of chocolate comes from the caffeine. It helps to focus on your energy. Powerful antioxidant properties and natural stimulant like caffeine enhances focus and concentration. Consume the dark chocolate in isolation as too much caffeine can’t truly work in favor of you when you sit down to rest. Take at least an ounce of dark chocolate a day to get all the benefits you require without excess fat, calories, or sugar.

5, Eggs

Egg yolks are among the easiest and richest natural sources of choline, which is an essential nutrient for boosting memory function. Choline is the "B-vitamin" - like substance that our bodies require to do something good. Many studies have shown that raising the intake of choline can boost memory power. Additionally, eggs are also great source of protein which provides other immense health benefits to the body.

6, Bananas

An excellent source of potassium and manganese, bananas have been also shown to boost memory. Besides manganese and potassium, bananas are also great source of vitamin C and fiber. One study has found that intake of bananas helped students to study their school material more resourcefully and improve scores on exams, most likely because of their elevated levels of potassium. Moreover, bananas come loaded with vitamin B6, which helps in the body’s production of norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine; all of these have an important role in improving concentration.

7, Whole Grains and Avocados

In the human body, every organ’s working depends on blood flow, particularly the brain and heart. Intake of a diet rich in whole grains and fruits such as avocados can lower bad cholesterol and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. It also helps in decreasing the risk of plaque buildup and improves the blood flow, offering a tasty, easiest way to stir up brain cells. Whole grains, such as whole wheat and popcorn, are also good source of dietary fiber and vitamin E. Though avocados contain fat, it is good-for-you as its monounsaturated fat contributes in the healthy blood flow.

8, Spinach

Loaded with iron and antioxidants, spinach is the healthiest green vegetable. It contains magnesium, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and folic acid in good amount, which are great for boosting brain power. The folic acid present in spinach assists to protect neurons in the brain. Its minerals and vitamins have been shown to enhance concentration. Regular eating of spinach has been associated to a decreased risk of brain worsening and memory diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Spinach also plays a key role to produce healthy red blood cells i.e. the vehicle to carry oxygen to the brain. Besides being a healthy brain food, the magnesium and potassium are proven agents to reduce the blood pressure.

9, Oranges

Oranges are recognized for their high concentration of vitamin C. They are potent brain boosters whether consumed fresh or as fresh orange juice. They are also well-known for a great immune booster. Being rich in vitamin C, oranges protect the human body against free radicals which have damaging effect on the body. Vitamin C is a powerful natural anti-oxidant. Oranges are also heart healthy food as they protect us against heart disease. Additionally, they contain flavonoids in good amount, which helps to prevent varicose veins.

10, Supplements - Vitamins and Minerals

Many vitamins and minerals’ supplements are proven to boost brain health. Vitamins are essential for concentration and overall brain function. B vitamins play a key role in neurotransmitter synthesis and vitamins E and C help to prevent the free radical damaging effect to the brain. Even if many supplements such as vitamins C, B, E, magnesium and beta-carotene are reported for the brain-boosting power, a supplement is only helpful to those people whose diets are deficient in that specific nutrient. Researchers are cautiously hopeful about ginkgo, ginseng, and mineral, vitamin, and herb combinations and impact of them on the brain.

Top 5 Brain Health Foods for Increased Memory, Concentration & Attention Span! video from youtube:

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