The pressure and anxiety that comes with studying for a life-changing exam can be very overwhelming. Your heart becomes too heavy and mind foggy to be able to even get the slightest information in.
Several cases like this and more have contributed to the ever increasing exam failure and depression among students. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be so.
Studies have shown that a healthy diet can go a long way in removing concentration barriers and improving overall learning among individuals.
Some particular foods contain compounds and nutrients that actively clear the mind and boost focus. These foods contain powerful antioxidants, essential minerals and flavonoids that do work.
It is therefore in the best interest of our educational goals and academic performance that we center our meal plan around these foods.
Here are a few foods that enhance mental performance and help you study better for an exam.
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- Nuts
Nuts are an excellent choice snack. They boast several nutrients and essential minerals that are vital for brain health.
Containing dense amounts of healthy fat and fiber, nuts have been discovered to improve information digest and keep you alert for extended time frames. Next time you engage in a marathon study session, let your nuts be a stretch away.
- Citrus fruits
Loaded with concentrated amounts of flavonoids like rutin, hesperidin, naringin, and quercetin, citrus fruits have been associated with an improved flow of blood to the brain which in turn boosts mental performance and enhances memory, all while protecting the brain from mental decline.
- Eggs
The powers that lie beneath the shells of an egg are unmatchable. Eggs are a very nutrient-dense food, containing vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the functioning of various parts of the brain.
They contain active nutrients like choline, selenium and vitamin B12 that help to improve memory storage and coordination, boost cognitive performance and also serve neurological functions in the body.
- Fish
Another healthy choice. Fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acid, an essential fat that has been linked to several cases of brain-function enhancement. They are also rich sources of cognitive-improving nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12.
- Avocados
Positively invest in your eyes and brain by taking this fruit. Avocados are rich in the carotenoid, lutein, which is known to boost mental performance in individuals as wells as improve eye health. Don’t sleep on it.
- Carrots
Carrots contain certain carotenoids that come together and accumulate in the retina (referred to as macular pigment optical density (MPOD)), which has been linked to brain function. Now studies have shown that a decline in MPOD can lead to reduced cognitive ability.
Taking foods like spinach, peppers and lettuce can also increase our carotenoid/MPOD levels.
- Dark chocolates
Of course you love chocolates! Dark chocolates especially contain interesting flavonoids that favor brain health. These flavonoids help to cure mental fatigue/mind fog, boost memory, improve the flow of blood to the brain and also increase attention span.
Regularly indulging in cocoa food products will increase your reaction time during mental tasks and also improve your insulin sensitivity.