Brain superfoods: What foods should you eat for focus & concentration?

Creativity Critical thinking Problem solving Memory Concentration Learning To be able to do all those things well, we need to give our brain the power it needs. Our nutrition and the food we eat is not only vital for our bodies, but it plays a major role in how well it works. With that in mind, here are the 6 best things you should eat if you want to boost your focus and concentration.

1. Fatty fish

Eating fatty fish such as salmon, herring and sardines is good for your brain because they contain high volumes of omega 3 - a type of fat that your brain is actually made up of. Getting a good source of omega 3 in your diet is essential for brain function but also your nervous system. Don’t eat fish? Algae oil is a supplement you can take that is rich in the specific forms of omega 3s (EPA and DHA) you need for optimal concentration.

2. Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are high in essential fatty acids that boost brain health but they are also high in vitamin E, a vitamin that has been shown to have neuroprotective benefits. Almonds, Brazil nuts, Hazelnuts and Sunflower seeds are a good place to start!

3. Tofu and other soy products

Tryptophan and serotonin are two types of neurotransmitters that are key for good brain focus and concentration. Soy products, such as tofu, miso and soybeans, are some of the best dietary sources of tryptophan and serotonin. However, you can also take tryptophan supplements if these aren’t foods you would usually eat.

4. Eggs

Studies have shown that the protein found in eggs also leads to a significant increase in blood levels of tryptophan; improving mental energy, speeding up reaction times and allowing for better emotional processing.

5. Blueberries

Blueberries are filled with powerful antioxidants that can help the brain function better. How? Well some research has suggested that filling up on antioxidants allows them to accumulate in the brain over time which helps neurons in the brain communicate more efficiently with one another.

6. Cognitive supplements

Okay so cognitive supplements are not technically food, but they are still something you put in your body so we think it counts. Many of us are used to taking daily vitamins and minerals for our health and wellbeing but supplements for the brain are often overlooked. But they can do wonders for your memory and concentration. NAD+ supplements in particular have amazing brain boosting powers and you can choose from a range of different cognitive supplements depending on what you’re looking to improve from a brain perspective including memory, concentration, fatigue and stress. Read our blog “How to care for your brain health” for more tips on boosting mental function and clarity.