Mood & Food
Foods to Improve Concentration and Memory
Ripe bananas (those with the brown spots on the skin) are able to stimulate the production of dopamine, a brain chemical involved in increasing motivation and concentration. The browner bananas are the richer in tyrosine they are. Tyrosine is associated with attention, alertness and focus. Freeze peeled and sliced ripe banana in freezer bags or containers and when you want a quick and easy dessert simply whizz the banana up with avocado, frozen raspberries in a food processor. You’ll be amazed at the delicious ‘gelato-style’ dessert it makes.
Another source of food that can stimulate the production of the brain chemical dopamine is seed and nut butters. Enjoy a dollop of either with wedges of freshly chopped apple as a snack or dessert.
Foods that are high in antioxidants such as fruits (especially berries and tomatoes) and vegetables (especially cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli) are beneficial to concentration levels. These may help with blood flow to the brain, which will supply the brain cells with more oxygen.
Eating berries at least once a week may protect the brain from age-related memory loss according to a very large 2012 study. Blueberries and strawberries were the berries used in this study so perhaps that’s where we should be focussing our attention.