Being in college and studying hard can be exhausting. If you’re not taking care of yourself, you might not do so well academically. Making sure that you eat well every day and get in all the necessary nutrients is absolutely essential. On top of that, you should exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep. Of course, drinking enough water to stay hydrated is another must-do. Before we dig into the superfoods that will boost your brain, let’s see why eating healthy is so important.
Why Should I Eat Healthy in College?
I know that college life can be exhausting by itself – so why add eating healthy to the list? Let’s just say that without keeping your health in check, you will not be able to achieve anything. If you are constantly lacking energy and devoid of any power, your body will cease to support your brain. You will most likely burn out and fail academically. I know that this is not what you want, so this is why you should start eating healthy whenever you can.
What Are the Best Foods to Boost Your Studying Skills?
No matter if you’re impatient to prepare for a college test or simply curious to see how they will help you – but these are the best energy boosters you’ll ever find.
Blueberries
Blueberries are awesome! Here, I said it. They act as antioxidants in your body and have inflammatory benefits. Not only can they help with stress, but they’ll also be great at preventing memory loss and brain aging. It’s been proved by research that blueberries help neurons in the brain connect faster, so you’ll think more quickly after having consumed them for a while. You could add blueberries to your breakfast meal; pair them with some oatmeal, cereal, and banana, and you’re golden.
Turmeric
Turmeric has amazing benefits for both your mind and body, so add it to your ingredient list asap. Turmeric is actually the main ingredient in making curry powder and has many reasons to be consumed. Not only is it a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory but it also benefits memory and prevents Alzheimer’s disease, eases depression by boosting serotonin and dopamine release, and aids the growth of new brain cells.
The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has been proved to pass the blood-brain barrier and reach the brain. Try it before exams and you’ll ace them.
Broccoli
Broccoli looks funny but it’s one of the best veggies to consume. It’s high in vitamin K and is fat-soluble, which means it can easily reach your brain. Nutrition experts at research paper writing by Studyclerk recommend eating broccoli at least once per day. They argue that broccoli can also promote better memory and help reduce stress. Indeed, much research for students has been done and broccoli seems to be the number one vegetable studies recommend, since it is a powerful antioxidant and helps with inflammation. You could pair broccoli with chickpeas and cheese or have it in your omelet.
Dark chocolate and/or coffee
Both dark chocolate and coffee are energy boosters, so pick your favorite. You could afford to consume both at the same time but do not exaggerate. Dark chocolate is a great antioxidant and includes caffeine. It helps your memory stay intact and can be a real mood booster. Coffee increases alertness by blocking adenosine from reaching your brain, improves your mood, and sharpens concentration.
Nuts
Not only can nuts improve your heart health, but they can also boost your concentration. Nuts are high in healthy fats, vitamin E and antioxidants, which makes them extremely powerful brain boosters. They keep your memory sharp and slow down mental decline.
How Can I Start Eating Healthy?
The best moment to start eating healthy is now, so don’t wait for the ‘perfect chance.’ If you don’t start now, you might never. Here’s a short guide containing tips and tricks for college students.
No matter what you do, make sure you have a nutritious breakfast. This is your first meal of the day so it should be an energy booster. Your energy is the result of your food choices, so if you have a pop tart for breakfast, you’ll feel like a sugar-loaded biscuit all day. Instead, eat something healthy like oatmeal and honey or Greek yogurt and cereal. Replace the bad habits with the good ones.
If you really really want to eat fast foods, choose the least damaging ones. Try to avoid eating too many French fries or ice-cream (even though they’re so delicious… I know!).
Include foods high in calcium in your diet. This can be anything from low-fat yogurt to green veggies or cottage cheese.
If you want to lose weight, make sure you do it responsibly. Avoid fast foods and start eating better meals but don’t deprive yourself of any food at all. Having a balanced diet is essential when you’re trying to lose weight sensibly (also exercise helps a lot!).
Stop drinking and start juicing. Alcohol is high in calories and has no nutritional value whatsoever, so try to stay away from it.
Eat healthy snacks. Try hummus and carrots, for example, but stay away from buttered popcorn and Coke.
Make sure you enjoy your food. This is probably the best piece of advice I’ll give you. Enjoy your food! Yes, don’t just eat to eat. Spend time cooking if you can. Add seasoning to taste and make meals prepping your new hobby.
Wrapping Up
Eat well to live well! Make sure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients and stay away from bad habits. Have cheat days but don’t over exaggerate. Be mindful and stay healthy!
Author Bio:
Judy Nelson is a writer and nutrition coach specialist. She works with students worldwide, helping them get a better understanding of their daily food intake. In her free time, Judy likes to help students achieve academic success. She is an artist and a teacher.