What does food you eat have to do with how the brain functions? Turns out an awful lot!

Many people’s concentration levels have taken a hit during lockdown as we are faced with new fears, challenges and are having to adapt a lot more to stay motivated day-to-day. Whether you are needing a bit more focus in your job role, especially when working from home, or want to encourage greater concentration for your children whilst being home-schooled and following classes online, the right foods can have a huge effect on getting you through this intense time. At home, it is easier to skip meals because we haven’t prepped, then head to the cupboards for a quick-mix meal that is nowhere near as nutritious as what our bodies are needing.

We have rounded up our top 5 brain foods you should be eating to feed both your mind and body, and boost focus during lockdown.

Water

Let’s start with one of the most obvious but unfortunately still the most overlooked, water.

The brain consists of 85% water. Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, moodiness, headaches and problems concentrating. Now we are at home more often we have the best tap water at our fingertips so take advantage and make sure to refill regularly throughout the day – it will make a huge difference to your focus and how you feel!

Oily Fish

When people talk about brain foods, oily fish is often at the top of the list.

This type of fish includes salmon, mackerel, trout, herring, sardines, pilchards and kippers. Oily fish is a rich source of omega-3s, a major building block of the brain. Omega-3s play a role in sharpening memory and improving mood, as well as protecting your brain against decline.

These essential fatty acids are particularly important for children and younger adults because they are major building blocks in the development of the brain.

So, if you are working from home or home-schooling children (or both!) then make sure you incorporate some fish-based recipes into the meal plans each week.

Take a look at our recipe for Cajun Salmon Tagliatelle for a quick and easy option

Avocado

Avocados are one of the healthiest fruits (yes, fruits!) that you can consume and is also considered one of the top foods to improve brain function. They are rich in vitamin C and B which helps improve the cognitive function of the brain by boosting concentration and memory.

Did you know that avocados also have more potassium than a banana?

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate has countless benefits, including the ability to boost blood flow to the brain, release endorphins and reduces sleepiness. It is packed with a few brain-boosting compounds, including caffeine and antioxidants.

It also contains magnesium, which helps to de-stress and stimulates the release of feel-good endorphins to heighten your mood – not to mention it’s something we all love for a sweet and tasty treat to enjoy!

Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the most potent antioxidant-rich foods. They are an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin C, fibre and are also high in gallic acid, which protects our brain against degeneration and stress.

These are a really easy one to add into your diet by sprinkling them on breakfast cereal, adding them to a smoothie or as a healthy snack during the day!

From our expertise in innovative and nutritious meals for our customers within both education and business & industry sectors, we know how essential brain foods are to keep a healthy mind.

So, to give a helping hand to you all working remotely, incorporating all or some of these foods into your weekly diet will make a huge difference in your focusing abilities at a time where we all need it most!