Super foods to boost brain power

Many students at USM are not looking forward to midterms: all-nighters and coffee binges. However, the most important thing to worry about during midterms is health. Many students get sick before, during or after midterms because of a lack of sleep from studying, stress and lack of nutritional meals.

“It is really important not to stress because the more you stress, the sicker you will get,” said Trevor Gray,  an employee at All Health.

Gray also said it is important to eat a balanced meal three times a day with snacks in between.

Research has shown that certain foods help attention span and focus. Taking the time to fix a healthy snack or cook a nutritious meal could be the determinate to some students’ midterm grades.

Lauren Royerre, a student at USM, said she eats at Subway often because it is easy to get and close to the library. She also stocks up on cereal for quick meals.

The following is a list of super brain foods for a positive, stress-free midterm week.

• WHOLE-GRAIN—Cereals, whole-grain breads and popcorn boost blood flow to the brain.

• NUTS—Walnuts, cashews, almonds and pecans clear up “brain fog,” enable clearer thinking, and are positive mood enhancers.

•BERRIES—Blueberries strengthen the brain and help with cognitive processes. Strawberries improve brain cell abilities. Blackberries help protect the brain from oxidation stress and fights brain disease.

• SEEDS—Sunflower seeds can boost mood and brainpower. Pumpkin seeds enhance memory and thinking skills.

• GREEN TEA—When freshly brewed, it enhances memory and focus, fights mental fatigue and promotes relaxation.

• EGGS—Nutrients help boost the memory center in the brain.

• AVOCADOS—Contain mono-unsaturated fats, which contribute to healthy blood flow, which is the main requirement for a healthy brain.

• BROCCOLI—Great source of vitamin K, which enhances cognitive function and improves brainpower.

• EGGPLANT—The skin increases focus.

• SPINACH—A diet rich in spinach significantly improves learning capacity and motor skills.

• YOGURT—Calcium-rich foods improve nerve function. Yogurt improves alertness and memory.

• CHOCOLATE—Dark chocolate has powerful antioxidants, which enhance focus and concentration and improve mood. Milk chocolate starts impulse control and reaction time. Chocolate has been known to improve visual and verbal memory.