Beat the Brainfart

Finals are FINAL-LY over for Tiny Tummy, but for the rest of NYUers, they are just beginning. In light of the season, I thought I'd share some brain foods (that are great for anyone looking for a burst of brain-power, exams or not).

Eggs: If you're looking for a cheap, simple fix for a boost of energy, this first brain food is bound to egg-cite you. Eggs (yes, yolk and all) will provide that boost brain-power you need. Egg yolks contain choline, a nutrient that helps with memory function and supports overall brain health. Before morning exams or a long day of work, whip up an omelette, hard boiled eggs, or scramble them for a protein-packed breakfast.

Berries: If you're berry fed up with losing steam an hour after breakfast, it may be time to add a handful of berries to your routine. Recent studies have shown that berries help improve brain function thanks to their antioxidant properties. The compounds they contain have been said to improve short-term intellectual performance as well as promote learning and memory. Basically, berries are your brain's buddy.

Coffee: While an all night study session running on nothing but caffeine is a bad idea, coffee can actually be a brain-food. Caffeine, when consumed in moderation, helps with alertness which will make you more productive throughout the day. Not to mention, coffee has been said to reduce stress, which I’m sure we’ve all seen our fair share of around this time of the year.

Whole Grains: If studying is leaving your noodle fried, you may want to reach for some whole grain noodles, or any whole grain for that matter. Whole grains contain fiber, some omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamins such as B6 which contains thiamine and helps improve memory function. Whole grains also promote healthy blood flow to the brain. So, a bowl of oatmeal is a great snack to get that brain up and running.

Chocolate: Chocolate is brain food? You read that right! While I'm not suggesting you grab a Snickers and call it a day, dark chocolate is a great source of antioxidants and has been proven to reduce stress and improve concentration. A few squares is all you need to do the trick though, sorry chocoholics.

Pin It