In the hustle and bustle of contemporary life, many of us have multiple demanding responsibilities that require us to maintain high levels of energy and focus throughout the day. You might be a working mom, a student with a part-time job, a corporate professional trying to make their way up the ladder, or a caring citizen with a plethora of side-projects.
Whatever the case may be, we are all only human, and our minds can only take so much strain. Browse this list of brain-boosting foods to give yourself a much-needed mental edge while taking on the challenges of the day.
Fish
For those of you who don’t object to animal protein, fish is an excellent source of essential nutrients that enhance your brain function and fight off mental fatigue. It is high in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids that are vital for mental health.
Research has shown that adding Omega-3 to your diet can help prevent various brain and mood disorders, aid in getting better sleep, and help your body maintain its energy levels throughout the day.
Salmon and mackerel have the highest Omega-3 content. Try adding 2 servings of either to your diet per week and you will be amazed at the difference.
Leafy Greens
If you prefer to avoid eating meat, dark leafy greens are a fantastic source of many nutrients that stave off fatigue and keep you sharp throughout the day. The iron content in plants like spinach and kale is highly beneficial to those who battle with mental fatigue and energy levels in general, especially vegetarians who are more susceptible to iron deficiency.
If you’re not much of a salad person, try adding spinach or kale to a tasty smoothie. Incorporating the bitter leafy greens into a shake with sweeter ingredients like banana, berries, honey, or peanut butter is a great strategy for getting them into your diet without having to force it down.
Dark Chocolate
When eaten in moderation, dark chocolate is exceedingly beneficial for mental health. While you should be selective about the brands you choose as some of them contain a lot of added sugar, dark chocolate boosts the production of neurotransmitters (naturally produced chemicals in your brain) that facilitate focus, learning, and memory.
It also has an uplifting effect on mood, as the hormones and neurotransmitters produced while eating chocolate are associated with pain relief as well as fighting stress, anxiety, and depression.
Nuts
Most varieties of nuts (especially raw, unflavoured ones) are great for boosting mental performance and energy levels. Walnuts in particular have been identified as a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Failing that, almonds and hazelnuts are also good options as they have high concentrations of vitamin E – a vital nutrient that may slow the process of cognitive decline due to aging.
Nuts in general are also fantastic sources of plant proteins and great snacks for when you play at grandrush.com. Try adding them to smoothies or salads for some extra crunch and flavor while getting these essential nutrients into your body.
