Did you know that some foods we eat can help us remember or make us concentrate better? The more we grow, the more these abilities of the brain improve. For example, a 6-year-old child can focus on something for about 15 minutes, after which his attention is focused on something else. When he turns 9, he will be able to focus on the same thing for about an hour.
There are many factors that interfere with our concentration - physical and emotional state, various external environmental irritants such as noise and others. Food can also have an effect.
Which foods improve our memory and concentration?
1. Coffee
Many of us start our day with a cup of coffee. The caffeine in it helps us open our eyes. Moderate coffee consumption can increase our concentration, especially in the morning, after a drunken evening, and also improve the speed of our reactions. It has been proven that a hot drink improves our short-term memory.
Excessive coffee, however, leads to tremors and nervousness. Therefore, the recommended dose of caffeine to take for the day is no more than 400 milligrams. One cup of coffee contains between 95 and 200 milligrams, so it is not good to drink more than 2-3 cups a day.
2. Chocolate
In addition to giving us pleasure, chocolate helps the brain to concentrate. This is due to cocoa beans , which are full of flavonoids, including epicatechin and catechin, which have antioxidant properties. Cocoa also contains caffeine. According to research, cocoa can keep our attention on an object for a long time, and also improve our mood.
3. Blueberries
It is considered a superfood that supports the brain. Scientists have found that a person's concentration increases after consuming blueberry juice. In addition, they help improve memory. This is mainly due to the flavonoids in the fruit.
4. Seafood
Iron in seafood is an important mineral for our brains. It plays an important role in the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that not only improves concentration but also has a positive effect on stress, hormonal imbalance, and others. The results of a study show that iron deficiency in women reduces their cognitive abilities. Those who do not like fish and seafood can eat vegetables such as spinach. Older men should take about 8 milligrams of iron a day, while for women the amount is higher - 18.
5. Flaxseed oil
It contains alpha-linolenic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and a fatty acid that cannot be synthesized by the human body, and therefore the body must obtain it through a special diet. Alpha-linolenic acid is good for heart health and supports brain function.
Flaxseed oil should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women because it can cause hormonal problems.