5 Breakfast Foods that Increase Concentration

Do feelings of sluggishness and a foggy head follow from bed to your desk in the morning? We're often told to eat a "good" breakfast, but the definition of one changes according to people's needs. There are breakfasts good for weight loss or quick energy, but those are just "good" enough to get you out the door and make it to your mid-morning break.

Some breakfast foods can do that and more, increasing focus, concentration, and mood. The following energy and nutrient rich foods are easily accessible (no exotic health food finds on this list), and will naturally boost your concentration.

Coffee

America's favorite brew really does help our concentration. Coffee has been an old standby because the caffeine it contains increases alertness. Studies have shown that along with alertness, concentration and focus also improved. It is thought that antioxidants on coffee play a part, so just taking a caffeine pill will not necessarily provide the same benefit. However, keep the coffee to three cups a day or less - more than that and the risk for heart disease increases.

Oatmeal

Low-glycemic carbohydrates provide faster energy for your body than proteins, which take some time to digest, but whole grains do not send your blood sugar on a roller coaster like white flours and many fruits. Keeping a steady blood sugar level will keep you concentration high, while quick energy will get you ready to get to focus. Whole grains also provide B12 and iron, deficiencies of which affect mood and the ability to focus. Carbohydrates also aid in the promotion of serotonin, which promotes a sense of calm. As good concentration is extremely difficult when feeling anxious, adding foods that boost your mood is key in keeping your focus.

Yogurt

Yogurt is good source of protein, while still being low in tryptophan. Tryptophan, found in many protein rich foods, and is the amino acid that makes us sleepy. It is best to choose proteins low tryptophan when you're gearing up for your day. Low-fat yogurt is also figure friendly.

Blueberries

Blueberries are higher in antioxidants than most foods, and these important chemicals act on free radicals that would harm cells. Experiments conducted on mice showed that blueberries helped brain performance by reducing the amount of oxidative stress, or damage, free radicals caused in brain cells. One cup of fresh blueberries provides 14.4 g of vitamin C. Vitamin C increases the amount of iron absorbed from grains, so adding some blueberries to your oatmeal or tossing them in a yogurt smoothie in the morning will give you an extra boost. Blueberries are also a low GI, or low glycemic index, food. Fruits with a low GI do not increase blood sugar as rapidly, and an even blood sugar level throughout the day will help keep your concentration steady. It takes just one cup, or half of a pint, of fresh blueberries to provide a full serving.

Eggs

Eggs help improve concentration by providing necessary nutrients and protein while being low in saturated fat and calories. One egg contains all nine essential amino acids and 6 grams of protein. Eggs from free range fed chickens are higher in Omega-3 fatty acids than chickens fed grain or soybeans. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve brain function, improve focus, and help children with ADHD. They are also a good source of vitamin B6, B12, and D. Protein rich foods also stave off hunger longer, making it easier to concentrate on the tasks at hand.

A breakfast of these foods will naturally increase concentration because of the nutrients they provide, as well as their ability to keep your blood sugar steady and ward off hunger. An added bonus is they are all low in saturated fat and calories. For an easy combination, try oatmeal topped with blueberries, an egg, a blueberry yogurt smoothie, and a cup of coffee for your commute.