12 Foods to Increase Brainpower for Students

Reader Contribution by Harry Southworth
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When it comes to your studies, your brain is a big deal. It’s your body’s control center that is responsible for maintaining important activities such as breathing, moving, thinking and heartbeat to name a few. This is why it’s important to keep your brain healthy.

The foods you eat on a daily basis determine the health and performance of your brain. You cannot focus on your studies if your brain is weak and tired. Eating the right brain foods will make your mind healthy and improve your concentration and performance in school. Today, we are going to discuss 12 of the best foods to increase your brainpower while studying.

Photo by Artem Beliaikin from Pexels

1. Fatty Fish

Most people associate sea food with increased mental performance. And you know what? They’re right. Fatty fish is number food for the brain. As you probably know, there are very many types of fish. Fish such as trout, salmon and sardines are rich with omega 3 which build the nerve and brain cells.

These cells improve learning rate andmemory. Omega 3 has additional benefits. It slows down mental aging and reduces the chances of one getting Alzheimer’s disease. Lack of enough omega 3 in the body leads to difficulty in learning and depression.

A study conducted recently found out that people who ate fish regularly had more gray matter. Gray matter boosts memory, making decisions and generating emotions. In general, fatty fish is the best brain food.

2. Coffee

If you love taking coffee before heading to class, you’ll be amazed by the benefits you get. Coffee contains two ingredients namely antioxidants and caffeine. Caffeine has several effects on your brain. They include:

  • Alertness – Caffeine keeps your mind extremely alert by blocking the chemical adenosine which makes you feel tired and sleepy.
  • Feeling good – Caffeine induces the hormone serotonin which boosts your moods.
  • Improved concentration – People who drink coffee regularly are more effective and productive than those who don’t because caffeine improves concentration.

Coffee has also been known to reduce neurological diseases and Alzheimer’s.

3. Blueberries

Blueberries have several health benefits to your mind and body. Blueberries have anthocyanin which is a compound with anti-inflammatory effects. It also contains antioxidants which relieve stress and reduce inflammation. Stress and inflammation have been linked rapid aging and neurological diseases. The antioxidants found in blueberries accumulate in the body and this helps in improving communication between cells in the brain. Blueberries also boost memory.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice found in curry powder which improves theperformance of the brain. Turmeric contains curcumin which improves blood circulation in the brain. Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen around the body while taking away toxic wastes. Therefore, the better the circulation, the better the performance.

Turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Curcumin boosts memory especially for people with Alzheimer’s. Turmeric induces the secretion of dopamine and serotonin which boosts moods and reduces depression. It also helps the growth of cells and this delays mental aging. You can start reaping the benefits of turmeric by cooking food with it or drinking turmeric tea.


Photo by
Daria Shevtsova from Pexels

5. Broccoli

Broccoli is packed with antioxidants and vitamin K which accelerate the growth of brain cells and boost memory. It also has anti-inflammatory effects which protects the brain from being damaged

6. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are rich with antioxidants which protect the brain and body from being damaged by free radicals. They are also rich in several minerals such as iron, magnesium and zinc. People who don’t have enough iron usually suffer from impaired cognitive function and brain fog. Zinc improves the signaling of nerves.

People with zinc deficiency usually suffer from neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and other conditions such as depression and Alzheimer’s disease. Magnesium improves memory and learning. People with low magnesium suffer from depression, headaches and even epilepsy.

7. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are rich in compounds that boost brain functions. They include caffeine, antioxidants and flavonoids. Flavonoids enhances learning and boosts memory.

Scientific researchers have reported that chocolate compounds slow down mental aging and boost memory. A study involving 900 participants found out that people who ate chocolate regularly were effective mentally than those who did not. They also experienced positive feelings.

8. Nuts

Several studies show that consuming nuts regularly improves the heart. Nuts also improve brain functions and prevent it from neurodegenerative diseases. People who eat nuts on a regular basis have a sharper memory than those who don’t.  Nuts contain antioxidants, healthy fats and vitamin E which all improve the functions of the brain.

Eating nuts specifically walnuts will boost your health since they contain omega 3.

9. Oranges

Oranges are rich in Vitamin C which plays a crucial role in the prevention of mental aging. Eating foods rich with vitamin C regularly will protect you against Alzheimer’s disease and mental aging. Vitamin C fights off free radicals that destroy brain cells.  Apart from oranges, other foods rich in vitamin C include guava, strawberries and tomatoes.

10. Eggs

Eggs are rich in choline and vitamin B which develop the brain and improve its functions. Lack of vitamin B leads to depression and rapid mental decline. People with dementia are encouraged to eat eggs to control the condition.

11. Green Tea

Green tea is a beverage that supports brain functions. It’s rich with caffeine that makes an individual alert and antioxidants that protect the brain from damage and helps an individual relax.

12. Whole Grains

Whole grains are rich with vitamin E which enhances memory and brain functions. Whole grain foods include oatmeal, brown rice, barley and wheat to name a few.

There are lots of other foods that improve brain functioning and keep it healthy. Fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants that protect the brain from free radicals and any other damage in general.

Coffee and tea promote alertness and also prevent brain damage. Eggs and nuts boost memory and develop the brain. You can keep your brain healthy, boost your memory and generate positive feelings by eating the foods discussed above on a regular basis. Also, drink enough water. Your brain needs it.


Harry Southworth is a professional content writer and proofreader for essay writing service Studyclerk. He loves sharing the best self-improvement and writing tips for students in his blog. During his free time, you’ll find him riding his horse or playing with his two lovely daughters.

  • Published on May 20, 2019
Tagged with: Reader Contributions
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