Life
Ever find your mind wandering during the day, unable to focus on the task at hand? I know I've been there. I'll go to look something up, then all of a sudden 25 minutes have gone by and I have to reset and remind myself what I was looking for in the first place. One solution to these daily daydreams, other than taking on less or getting more sleep, can be found in your kitchen. There are many science-backed foods that help you focus that you can incorporate into your regular diet or just make sure to eat before getting to work on that big presentation.
There's no shortage of techniques for regaining (or maintaining) focus and concentration. There are guided meditation practices designed to improve focus, for instance, and a study conducted by University of Illinois researchers found that 20 minutes of yoga can boost concentration immediately afterwards. Establishing a solid breakfast routine has been proven to help kids stay focused at school, according to NPR. These concentration techniques, however, require time — something people don't seem to have enough of these days. But everyone has to eat. So why not eat something that tastes good and improves your concentration at the same time? Try these nine brain boosting foods help keep you focused and nourished all day long.
1
Oatmeal
It's hard to focus when you're hungry. According to NPR, oatmeal prevents a blood sugar crash, which can affect your mood. It also keeps you fuller longer, so you'll spend less time concentrating on your stomach growling.
2
Blueberries
Blueberries contain antioxidants, which fight free radicals, a contributor to cognitive decline later in life, explained Harvard University's School of Public Health. And if that's not enough, a study conducted at the University of Cincinnati found that daily consumption of wild blueberry juice or powder helped improve recall.
3
Beets
Ruby-hued, earthy beets promote blood flow to the brain, according to a study conducted by reseachers at Wake Forest University. More blood flow means increased brain functioning.
4
Avocado
Yes, your morning avocado toast can help boost your focus and concentration thanks to the monounsaturated (aka "healthy") fat found in avocados. In an interview with The Huffington Post, registered dietitian Patricia Bannan said monounsaturated fat allows the brain to get enough blood to perform at its best. Additionally, Health noted that avocados are also a good source of fiber, which, keeps you fuller longer.
5
Dark Chocolate
Great news. Dark chocolate can help improve your focus, too. Cocoa contains flavanols, which have been linked to increased cognitive function in older adults, according to Columbia University Medical Center researchers. Also, Natalie Stephens, a clinical dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Health that dark chocolate increases levels of serotonin and endorphins, which are correlated to increased concentration.
6
Green Tea
Move over coffee, green tea also provides a little pick-me-up in the form of caffeine. Green tea also contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which is associated with improved cognitive performance and increased levels of alertness, according to several studies.
7
Bananas
Bananas are full of potassium and B vitamins, which help you focus on what you're doing, dietitian Kim Stinson-Burt told The Huffington Post.
8
Salmon
Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may help keep your memory in tip-top shape, according to The Huffington Post.
9
Eggs
Eggs, especially egg yolks, are brain food. According to The Huffington Post, egg yolks contain both choline and lutein, which help boost your memory as well as brain function in general.
