Add a Daily Dose of Nuts and ChocolateNuts and seeds are good sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, which is associated with less cognitive decline as you age.
Dark chocolate also has powerful antioxidant properties, and contains natural stimulants like caffeine, which can enhance focus and concentration.
Enjoy up to an ounce a day of nuts and dark chocolate to provide all the benefits you need without excess calories, fat, or sugar.
Add Avocados and Whole GrainsEvery organ in the body depends on blood flow, especially the heart and brain.
Eating whole grains and fruits like avocados can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and enhance blood flow, offering a simple, tasty way to fire up brain cells.
Whole grains, like popcorn and whole wheat, also contribute dietary fiber and vitamin E, while avocados have fat ? but a good-for-you, monounsaturated fat that contributes to healthy blood flow.
Blueberries Are Super NutritiousResearch in animals shows that blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
Studies also show that diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both the learning capacity and motor skills of aging rats, making them mentally equivalent to much younger rats.
Benefits of a Healthy DietIt may sound trite but it's true: If your diet lacks essential nutrients, it can decrease your ability to concentrate.
Eating too much or too little can also interfere with your ability to focus. A heavy meal may make you feel lethargic, while too few calories can result in distracting hunger pangs.
Benefit your brain: Strive for a well-balanced diet chock full of a wide variety
of healthy, wholesome foods.
Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements?Store shelves groan with supplements claiming to boost health. Although many of the reports on the brain-boosting power of supplements like vitamins B, C, E, beta-carotene, and magnesium are promising, they?re inconclusive.
Researchers are cautiously optimistic about ginseng, gingko, or vitamin, mineral,
and herb combinations and their impact on the brain.
A daily multivitamin is OK, but check with your doctor before taking other
Get Ready for a Big DayWant to power up your ability to concentrate? Start with a meal of 100% fruit juice, a whole grain bagel with salmon, and a cup of coffee. In addition to eating a well-balanced meal, experts also advise:
* Get a good night's sleep.
* Exercise to help sharpen thinking.
* Meditate to clear thinking and relax.