Why You Should Eat These Brain-Boosting Foods Before Exam Season
It’s no secret that exam season is a very difficult time in any student’s life. Juggling all the different classes along with studying and projects is overwhelming to just about anyone. It’s easy to lose track of things or burn out. While the main ways to make it through this time is by studying and staying organized and motivated, there are additional small things you can do in order to keep it together. Not to mention, eating right and maintaining some kind of exercise routine can help with your grades, too. However, we’re here to talk about one specific thing: eating foods that boost brain function. Why? Because they are all foods that have a positive effect on the brain in one way or another. Whether they improve memory or reduce brain fog, you’ll want to eat or snack on these foods before and during exam season.
Walnuts
The reason walnuts are one of the best foods for the brain is due to the fact that they contain protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E. What these do is help preserve memory and prevent cognitive decline. In fact, studies have shown that walnuts can also improve concentration, memory, brain processing speed, and brain cell growth and communication.
Dark Chocolate
Seeing as dark chocolate contains cacao, it’s a great study snack. Why? Cacao, aka cocoa, contains flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. These antioxidants are essential to brain health since they reduce oxidative stress and the risk of brain disease.
Green Tea
Green tea is one of the best things to have for the brain. It boosts brain functions, like alertness, performance, focus, and memory. In addition, green tea contains L-theanine, which an amino acid that can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. L-theanine also improves alpha wave frequencies, which stimulates you and raises your energy levels. However, unlike most caffeinated drinks, it also relaxes you at the same time. Finally, green tea is full of polyphenols and antioxidants that can help protect the brain from mental decline and diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Avocado
Aside from being delicious, avocados are extremely nutritious. They’re filled with unsaturated fats, fiber, and lutein, which can improve brain health. Not to mention, high blood pressure has been linked to cognitive decline, so eating unsaturated fats might help reduce blood pressure. One study found that who ate a fresh avocado every day saw a serious improvement in their memory and problem-solving abilities.
Blueberries
Blueberries contain flavonoids that help with memory, and they have anthocyanins that have anti-inflammatory effects. They also help with preventing oxidative stress and neurodegenerative diseases.
Wild Salmon
When it comes to brain-boosting food, salmon will always be on the list. Salmon and other fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which is essential for the brain. Fatty fish help build the brain and nerve cells that are in charge of memory and learning.
Oranges
Last but not least, oranges contain a large amount of vitamin c. This vitamin plays a major role in preventing mental decline. It fights off free radicals that can cause damage to your brain cells and it also helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
