Have you ever struggled to focus on a task at hand? If so, you're not alone. With the demands of work, family, and social obligations, it can be hard to find the focus you need to get things done. But what if there are certain foods that could help you focus?
That's right, science suggests certain foods can help improve your focus and concentration. Let's look at some of the best foods to eat to help you obtain that mental sweet spot for focus. So, whether you're looking to boost your focus at work or ace that upcoming exam, check out these concentration-boosting foods.
Coffee
Coffee is among the most popular beverages worldwide. Millions of people rely on coffee to help them through demanding tasks at work and assignments at school. Coffee is known for its ability to sharpen focus and increase productivity. If you're looking for a way to improve your productivity, coffee may be the answer. However, consuming coffee later in the day can keep you awake at night. If you struggle to fall asleep at night, it'll negatively affect your focus and motivation going forward. It's best to consume your last cup before 2:00 pm.
Green Tea
Green tea contains a powerful combination of ingredients for maintaining a relaxed sense of focus. Green tea may be more effective than coffee for focus and cognitive boost. Why? The combination of L-theanine and caffeine in green tea is more powerful than caffeine alone. L-theanine is an amino that promotes relaxation and reduces stress, while caffeine is a stimulant that can improve focus and energy levels. When these two substances combine, as in green tea, they have a synergistic effect that is more beneficial than either one on its own. The result is a relaxed sense of focus without the jitters that coffee can give.
Dark Chocolate
Caffeine, antioxidants, and flavonoids are compounds that may also help your brain stay focused. Caffeine is a stimulant that improves alertness and motivation. Antioxidants help protect against cell damage due to oxidative stress in the brain. Flavonoids are a type of antioxidant and have been shown to improve blood flow to the brain, which may help improve focus and attention.
It's unclear which component is most responsible for improving focus, and there may be synergy between the three that explains why people have better-functioning brains after eating dark chocolate. Be sure to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao and less than 6 grams of sugar for the most benefits.
Water
Bet you didn't expect to see this one on the list! But it shouldn't be surprising. Water is essential for optimal brain function. Dehydration can lead to decreased focus, brain fog, and fatigue. When you're properly hydrated, your brain has the most essential resource it needs to function at its best. Water helps carry nutrients to the brain and flush out toxins. It also helps regulate body temperature, which is important for the brain to function properly.
Make sure you drink enough water throughout the day to keep your brain sharp and focused. If you're having trouble staying hydrated, try carrying a water bottle with you and sipping on it throughout the day.
Beets and Beetroot Juice
Beets and beetroot juice have been shown to improve brain focus and cognitive function. The high levels of nitrates in beets and beetroot juice improve blood flow and oxygenation to the brain, which enhances cognitive function and brain focus, according to a study by Wake Forest University. Older adults who consumed a beetroot supplement before an exercise session enjoyed brain activity consistent with a more youthful brain.
Beetroot juice contains high levels of nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide. This gas plays an important role in regulating blood pressure and blood flow. When taken before exercise, studies show beetroot juice improves oxygen delivery to muscles and helps reduce blood pressure.
Conclusion
Although these foods and beverages may give your brain performance and focus a boost, the most important thing you can do to maximize brain power is eat a nutritionally balanced diet and consume enough calories and nutrients to feed your brain in a healthy, balanced manner.