Maximize Your Memory By Eating These Foods While You Study
Start prepping for finals by grabbing a snack.
The end of the semester will be here soon, and that means more time studying and cramming for finals. And while finals week takes its toll on everyone, there are ways you can work smarter and not harder. One way you can do that is by creating the perfect lineup of snacks to eat while you study.
These 11 foods will help you study more efficiently and help you retain information better—both super important things when it comes to finals week, right? Scroll to start planning your study snacks right now!
Berries
Blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are packed full of antioxidants (specifically flavonoids), which help reduce inflammation and stress in the brain. This, in turn, protects your brain cells from undue damage, leading to improved memory and cognitive function.
Citrus Fruits
Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes are known for their high vitamin C content, which is also an antioxidant. It’s also an essential vitamin for brain health since it helps in the production of neurotransmitters (which help transmit signals in the brain). This improves focus and concentration.
Dark Chocolate
While this isn’t an excuse to eat just any chocolate, dark chocolate (think 70% cocoa or more) has loads of flavonoids, caffeine, and antioxidants. This enhances brain function by improving blood flow, therefore reducing inflammation.
Nuts
Walnuts and almonds are the best nuts when it comes to study snacks. They’re both great sources of healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E. Again, all of these help reduce stress in the brain. The fats also provide sustained energy, allowing you to focus during long study sessions.
Eggs
Eggs are packed with nutrients that are important to brain health, including vitamins B6 and B12, folate, and choline. All of these help regulate mood and memory.
Avocados
As if you needed an excuse to eat more avocados. They’re rich in monounsaturated fats, contributing to a healthy blood flow and improving cognitive function. They also have plenty of vitamin K and folate, which help improve memory, concentration, and cognitive function.
Salmon
Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which is crucial for brain health. They’re known to enhance brain cell structure, leading to improved cognition and memory.
Olive Oil
Specifically extra virgin olive oil, EVOO is full of antioxidants known as polyphenols. This helps protect the brain against damage and enhance memory, making it essential for boosted brain function.
Beets
Beets are often overlooked, but they have plenty of major benefits. They’re high in antioxidants and nitrites, which improve blood flow for the brain. Plus, they have a specific compound, betaine, which helps to reduce brain fog.
Rosemary
Herbs can help you study, too! Rosemary contains carnosic acid, which helps protect the brain from neurodegeneration. It also helps protect the brain from chemicals like free radicals, which have been linked to decreased brain function.
Bone Broth
Rich in minerals that support your immune system and contain healing compounds like collagen, glutamine, glycine, and proline, bone broth should be a study snack you add to your diet ASAP. It can also improve sleep, which is extra important during finals.
Turmeric
Spices like turmeric are a great addition to your diet when it comes to brain function. Containing curcumin, which can cross the blood-brain barrier, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
