Foods that Can Boost Your Memory and Concentration

Seems like every time that you turn around a new "super food" is being touted in the news. Way back when it was Vitamin C. It was supposed to help with the common cold and bolster the immune system. But the recommended dosage was ridiculously high and despite Linus Pauling, it didn't seem to really work.

It did prevent scurvy however and was probably good to take on a long sailing voyage where there wasn't going to be any fresh fruit. Why do you think that they call British sailors "Limeys" anyway?

One of the next great things was Vitamin E. It was supposed to be really healthy for the heart. But then it was discovered that mega doses of this vitamin could be harmful, especially if you were a diabetic.

Then came fish oil. It's still around and may really have some benefits. If you are going to take fish oil this is one of the cases where you probably shouldn't get it by eating a lot of fish. Some fish have dangerous levels of mercury in them as well as other contaminants from living in our polluted oceans. There is a product out there called "Krill Oil" that seems to work pretty well and it doesn't make you smell like a fish.

Recently, pomegranate juice and blueberries joined the ranks of the super foods. Both of these are supposed to increase concentration and brain function like Ginko was supposed to do a few-years-ago. Ginko, which is supposed to increase blood flow in the brain, was shown to cause bleeding in susceptible individuals. So which foods really work to increase brain power and concentration and are safe?

According to WebMD: "There's no denying that as we age chronologically, our body ages right along with us. The good news is that you can increase your chances of maintaining a healthy brain -- if you add "smart" foods and beverages to your diet."

We all know that the old standard coffee can help wake you up in the morning. It can help increase alertness and focus, but with caffeine more is often less. It can make you irritable and jittery. Avoid those energy drinks with caffeine, especially combining them with alcohol.

Sugar is a good energy booster. Just ask any kid whose just loaded up on a sugary cereal. But watch eating too much as it can make you feel sluggish and add on the pounds.

Don't skip breakfast. Breakfast is my biggest meal of the day and with the cholesterol-free eggs and turkey bacon, it doesn't really have to be high fat. Try some potatoes fried in olive oil with a little homemade country gravy. Yum.

Remember when your grandma told you that fish is good brain food? Well, it really is because it contains all of those great Omega 3's. But again, limit your intake to twice weekly because of the contaminants.

Dark chocolate is rich in Vitamin E and other antioxidants. It can slow mental decline as we age. It also is a double whammy because it contains a healthy dose of caffeine.

Avocados contain fat, but it's the good kind of fat. They can lower cholesterol and therefore increase circulation, and a healthy brain is pretty much a hog when it comes to blood as are all the other organs in the body.

Blueberries have been shown to reduce the mental effects of aging in rats and may help prevent dementia in humans. Sprinkle a few every morning on your cereal or munch a handful at work.

You can take a bunch of vitamins and supplements like some people do to boost your brainpower, but the best approach to staying sharp is to lead a healthy lifestyle. Get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat a good, balanced diet. You'll not only live a longer, healthier life, but the quality of it will be better as well.

Source: http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/slideshow-brain-foods-that-help-you-concentrate