• Almonds
• Sunflower seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Dried or freeze-dried fruit and vegetables
• Fresh fruits and vegetables with an avocado dip
• Green smoothies
Preparation: 15 Minutes
Ingredients
• 1-2 teaspoons cold pressed olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup onion, minced
• 1 cup cashews or almonds
• 2-4 cups water
• 2-4 cups broccoli
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• Himalayan Crystal Salt or natural sea salt to taste
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 celery stocks, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 avocado, cubed
• 1 teaspoon kelp
In a blender, purée the cashews, onion, garlic, olive oil, broccoli, parsley and lemon juice until smooth. Add water until desired consistency is achieved.
Cube and cut the celery, avocado and tomatoes. Pour purée over the vegetables.
Would you believe that food can improve concentration and memory? There’s been much research concerning this topic, and the general consensus is “it can.” So what foods do we eat to improve our concentration?
The brain uses about 20 percent of the daily calorie intake and requires more nutrients than the rest of the body. Healthy fats are what make up most of the brain cell structure. Nerve fibers need insulation so messages can be transmitted from cell to cell. Cells in the brain depend on essential fatty acids for construction, repair and communication.
Omega-6 fatty acids can only be attained through diet. While an Omega-6 fatty acid is very common and easy to obtain in the standard American diet, Omega-3 fatty acids can only be found in flaxseed, wheat germ, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and some fish. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc which enhances memory and thinking skills.
As our brain cells develop new connections, our memory and ability to remember things become more potent. Remembering is most easily done when these connections are made stronger by emotional or intellectual stimulation. Acetylcholine is one of the nutrients that helps excites and keeps brain cells healthy.
Other vitamins and minerals are also important to brain function. These building blocks include vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, iron and calcium. Research has linked learning impairments with deficiencies in these vitamins and minerals.
Because broccoli has so many nutrients and helps improve brain and cognitive power it is called a superfood. Cauliflower and broccoli help stimulate the memory, and those who eat these vegetables tend to do better on tests.
One thing to keep in mind is blood sugar, which is the way that oxygen gets to the message-carrying cells. It may be helpful to eat a handful of nuts or seeds just before a test to help your blood sugar remain level and your brain active.
Eating foods with fiber helps the glucose in the bloodstream be delivered gradually instead of spiking, which causes a downward spiral just as quickly. Good sources of fiber include dried fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole fruits and whole grains.
Seventy percent of your brain is water. When you become dehydrated it is harder for your brain to recall information. A hydrated brain is the best way to keep it working for your test. Make sure you drink eight or more glasses of water a day.
Some people that the think of the best way to stay alert is by drinking caffeinated beverages but the pituitary gland sees too much caffeine and the spike in activity as a warning and creates nervousness.
To help your brain function best for your finals keep it hydrated, eat healthy fats and keep your blood sugar stable. The ability to properly nourish the brain is vital for creative thought, positive mood and memory.
