5 foods for maximum brain power

Kajamba Fitz-Henley

AS WE all make the trek back to school, of course we think of the basics like books, bags, stationary and even lunch money; but what about just lunch? Believe it or not, the food we put in our bodies at school, and for school, is just as important as everything else we absorb there. Thus, it is essential that as growing teenagers dealing with all the mental stresses of school, we eat the best things to maximise our energy and brainpower. Here’s a list of foods that will help!

5. Eggs

This common breakfast item is known to improve memory abilities. According to the Reader’s Digest, eggs contains choline which the brain converts to  acetylcholine, a compound neurotransmitter which plays an important role in cell communication as well as learning and memory formation. Essentially, eggs aid our brains in creating memories, which enable us to learn. Aside from breakfast, lunch ideas containing eggs include scrambled eggs in tortilla wraps, boiled egg salads, and egg salad sandwiches; all these are easy to make and easy to carry.

4. Oats

Oats is typically used in another common breakfast food, oatmeal. Oatmeal porridge is definitely no stranger to Jamaican households, thus it should be no problem to incorporate more of it in our diet. Oats is a part of the wholegrain group which is known to benefit the cardiovascular system which, in turn, increases blood flow to the brain. Oats also contains great amounts of carbohydrates which the body is able to break down slowly in order provide energy for longer periods. Thus, the right amount of oats encourages the brain to stay sharp over the period of a schoolday. Oats is also known to be good for cholesterol absorption. Aside from oatmeal, oats can be served in granola bars and can be blended into fruit smoothies to be carried as a lunch beverage.

3. Steamed broccoli 

Broccoli has often been painted as a monster in popular culture, however, it provides many nutritional benefits and can prove to be quite tasty. According to the UK Telegraph, broccoli is a source of vitamin K, which enhances cognitive ability, as well as choline, which is known to improve memory function. Broccoli also provides folic acid, which is said to help circumvent Alzheimer’s disease. Steamed broccoli is known to provide the most health benefits.Thus, a healthy helping of steamed broccoli with a regular cooked lunch will enhance brain function.

2. Yogurt

According to a Huffington Post article on the benefits of probiotics in yogurt, this tasty snack is proven to relieve stress on the brain. Probiotic yogurt is also said to generally enhance mental function and cognitive performance. Thus, yogurt should assist in making learning easier and more stress-free. Popular probiotic yogurt brands include Yoplait, Activia, and Stonyfield. Throwing a cup of yogurt in your bag might just make for a better schoolday.

1. Fish

Fish is possibly the most popular source of nourishment regarded as brain food. This is because of its large amounts of protein, vitamin B12 and omega-3. These substances are known to boost neurotransmitters and thus enhance brain function. According to Reader’s Digest, omega-3 is commonly found in salmon and other coldwater fish like tuna. It is said to improve the retention of brain cells and enhance brain power of younger adults. So, if you haven’t already, you might want to incorporate more fish into your teenage diet.

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