The current pandemic has made us a bit lazy. We rarely walk, play sports or exercise, or talk to other people. Instead, we more often reward ourselves with sweets. All this adversely affects the efficiency of our brain. Find out how to improve memory and concentration.
Unfortunately, the less stimuli stimulating the brain to hard work, the worse its condition. In addition, filling your daily diet with products rich in saturated fatty acids and sugar not only increases the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, but also increases the risk of diabetes and Alzheimer’s. So review your current diet and be sure to eliminate unhealthy and worthless processed foods. Replace them with the following.
Brain fuel – glucose
The main source of energy, which gives us a quick kick to act, is glucose. However, this does not mean that from now on we should clog up with sweets. It is quite the opposite. We should remember that simple sugars give us a shot of quick energy, but after a while we feel sleepy and tired. Therefore, instead of sweets it is worth eating wholemeal breads and groats every day, which will provide us not only with glucose, but also with many valuable minerals and vitamins.
We should also remember that the excess of calories and sugar may contribute to the elevation of triglycerides, which may have negative effects on the work of the brain.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are a good source of nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. walnuts) and improve the functioning of the brain and the nervous system. They are also a healthy source of fats and contain potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and a number of vitamins, including E, which prevents the development of free radicals responsible for aging of the body.
Be sure to include in your diet flaxseed oil, olive oil, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, as well as walnuts, cashews, Brazil nuts or hazelnuts.
Vegetables and fruits
There are probably no vegetables that cannot be recommended to improve memory and concentration. Tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, radishes, spinach, carrots, celery, parsley, leek or zucchini should be constantly present in your menu. As far as fruit is concerned, raspberries, blueberries, currants, strawberries and blueberries are worth reaching for. These have much less simple sugars but a lot of antioxidants, which support not only the brain but the whole body. What is more, the wealth of vitamin C supports immunity.
Dark chocolate
It is also worth reaching for dark chocolate or cocoa. Both products will provide a huge dose of magnesium, which has a great influence on the nervous system. However, it is important not to overdo the amount.