Ever feel a little slow in the afternoon? Known as “the afternoon slump” this is the period when our morning coffee has expired, our lunch is being digested, and our brain slows to a crawl. There’s still work to be done, but you’re too slumped to notice.
How can you kick the slump to the curb? How do you curb the energy-low and make sure you don’t slump in the first place? Sometimes a slump comes from a sugar crash – when the brain uses and depletes itself of energy from high-sugar foods, like candy or soda.
A Thoughtful Mind Prevails
Here are some lunchtime tips, and mid-morning snack options that will help keep the slump at bay. At least until after dinner.
Berries
Berries of any kind are super beneficial for keeping you productive and focused. Our bodies succumb to oxidative stress and other inflammatory issues. Berries have antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that counteract these “evil twins of brain again,” said neuroscientist James A. Joseph.
Oil-rich Foods
Walnuts and avocados are full of the good fats and oils that help keep your brain healthy and strong. Omega-3s are considered “brain food” so reach for fish, healthy oils, or energy-rich seeds like chia or flaxseed. In combination with berries, oil-rich foods keep brain cell membranes “youthfully flexible.”
Salmon
Omega-3s, protein, iron and B-vitamins all support memory, recall, reasoning, and focus. Salmon is the best fish for brain-health, but you can turn to mackerel, trout, herring, or sardines for a brain boost.
Eggs
Eggs are a great way to start the day – and not just for the taste. Low in carbs, high in protein, and also high in a fat-like B vitamin called choline that helps you remember and react. Choline helps with many chemical reactions in the body as well as helping to reduce inflammation.
Eggplant
Nutrients and vitamins in eggplants aid communications between your brain cells and messenger molecules. This means that your thought processes and reaction times will be quicker, so your productivity will be increased.
Caffeine
Coffee helps lift the fog at the start of the day, improving your memory and reasoning. The caffeine in coffee even “protects against eyelid spasm,” – a sign of fatigue, thanks to its antioxidants and amino acid compounds.
Green Tea
Green tea has compounds that protect and restore a healthy nervous system. It’s also a great antioxidant and is a good source of caffeine.
Dark Chocolate
Full of antioxidants that increase endorphin-production and enhance your focus and concentration, if you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up grab some dark chocolate.
Yogurt
A good source of protein, minerals, and probiotics makes raw, natural yogurt a go-to for productivity. Add some fresh berries, oats, or walnuts to get an even better brain boost.
Dark Leafy Greens
Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, any of these salad starters are possibly the best choice for increasing productivity. Iron brings more oxygen to the blood and brain and enhances your ability to think and reason.
Red Wine
After a long day, a glass of antioxidants is just the thing to reach for. Red wine has compounds that increase your short-term memory and improves motor skills. Too much though, and your motor skill will certainly fade.
Whole Grains
Whole grains like brown rice are filled with cognitive health helpers like vitamins and nutrients.
Hot Cocoa
Oxidative stress is a main concern for your brain. Most of the foods on this list are rich in antioxidants and help to ease the stress put on your body. Drinking hot cocoa helps protect your brain cells from oxidative stress.
Garlic
Antibacterial and antiviral compounds found in garlic help ease the stress. Garlic can even help fight off stress-induced colds and infections.
Get Calm, Carry On
Before his death in 2010, Dr. James A. Joseph had been researching what foods are good for the brain. He found that oxidation and inflammation were some of the top problems that most brains had. The foods found on this list help return your brain to a calm, ready state so you are calm and ready to take on the day.
SOURCE: http://www.businessinsider.in/14-Foods-You-Should-Eat-To-Increase-Productivity/Any-kind-of-berry-is-golden-the-potent-combinations-of-antioxidants-they-contain-can-improve-both-memory-and-motor-coordination-/slideshow/35904437.cms
