7 Foods to Boost Study Habits

By Richard Sanchez on September 9, 2012


As a college student, retaining information can be a difficult process. There are many factors that play into effective study habits: from location, to noise levels, and the food you eat. Not to mention the difficulty of finding interest in those classes we find dull. Here is some food for thought, taking into account some items you may have overlooked in the grocery store.

1. Chocolate:  One of my favorites, chocolate is not only delicious but has been shown to  benefit your brain by enhancing your mood.  As a natural stimulant it boosts the production of endorphins, improving focus and concentration. Milk chocolate has been shown to improve verbal and visual  memory and boost impulse control and reaction time. Drinking chocolate milk after a workout can help replenish tired muscles and aid in recovery. Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols, which boosts blood supply to the brain to help improve cognitive skills.

2. Sage: Can be used as an herb in your food or taken as a supplement in oils or tablets. A member of the mint family, sage has been shown to boost levels of the chemical that transmit messages to and from the brain. It also helps in the break down of the enzyme acetylcholine, which is needed for the brain to properly function.

3. Tea: A staple in my kitchen, this wonderful beverage, when freshly brewed, has been proven to improve memory and focus as well as combat mental fatigue. Green and white teas can be great for mental relaxation, while there are even black teas to provide the same amount of caffeine as coffee without the jitters.

4.  Seeds: Flaxseeds are rich in memory-boosting Omerga-3 fatty acids. Roasted pumpkin seeds contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid great for relaxation. Dried sun flower seeds offer thiamine, a Vitamin B form for improving memory and cognitive functions.

5. Curry: This spicy Eastern dish is good for your brain due to a key ingredient: turmeric. The chemical curcumin, abundant in turmeric helps remove plaque from the brain.

6. Fish: Fish are the best source of Omega-3 fatty acids, the primary components of the brain, retina and other nerve tissue. Studies have shown these acids boost energy, enhance learning and improve communication between brain cells.

7. Water: This one should be obvious to college students by now. Making up nearly 75% of the body, water is a life-giving liquid and an essential component for a brain to smoothly operate. Dehydration causes the brain to release the hormone cortisol which affects mental and cognitive functions.

There are plenty of more great foods for boosting that brain power of yours, so if you didn’t see your favorite on the list, feel free to list some of your own

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