Foods that Improve Focus: College Edition

As a college student with dozens of courses to attend, papers to write and tests to cram for, your brain needs to be in full gear at all times. What happens, though, when you’re only 20 minutes into an intense study session and your brain is already fogging up? How can you boost your brain power when you need it most?

Of course, getting enough shut-eye and exercising regularly will help keep those gray cells in top form, but when you need an emergency brain boost, try one of these snacks. It’s all of the alertness of coffee without the energy crash three hours later. And best of all, you’ll get that studying done in no time!

1. Oatmeal obsession 
In a test conducted by Tufts University, children who had eaten sweetened oatmeal for breakfast performed 20% better at academic tasks, in comparison with children whose breakfast had been sweetened cereals! The next time your brain needs a lift, go for the oatmeal and watch those neurons wow you!

2. Eat more chocolate 
According to research done at Cornell University, chocolate can enhance your brain power and improve your overall brain health. The flavonoids found in chocolate increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain, allowing you to think more clearly and to focus on your current task. Next time your brain’s feeling sluggish during a study session, take a Hershey bar break!

3. Banana break 
How’s about a banana? This humble fruit is full of vitamin B6, which aids in the production of serotonin and dopamine, both of which support concentration. Now, back to that calculus!

4. Awesome avocado 
Lost your focus? Wandering mind? Spread some avocado on crackers, or have some tortilla chips dipped in guacamole. Avocado is more than just a versatile, delicious fruit. The healthful fats in avocados enhance communication between brain cells, allowing you to focus and function better. Just what you need for a six-hour cramming session!

5. Incredible apples 
Though the claim that apples have more caffeine than coffee is nothing but a widespread myth, the sugar boost you get from an apple will keep you going when you’re on empty. Because you’re eating it as part of a fruit and not as processed sugar, the sugar will digest slowly without the inevitable crash of unnatural sugar. Crunch away!

Your Turn: What’s your favorite study-time snack? Does it help you concentrate? Let us know!