Think It Over: Brain Foods

Imagine your workplace buzzing along at optimal capacity, employees alert, focused, happy, and productive.

No, it’s not the Stepford staff. It could just be the result of your turning them onto so-called brain foods. These “smart foods” are believed to enhance cognitive function in a number of ways: improving memory, sharpening focus, lengthening attention span, and more.

While they may not be a miracle solution to all your company’s problems, certain foods do encourage better brain function. You might consider including some of these edible brain boosters in the office snack stash.

Caffeine (in moderation) helps many people jump-start their day. While too much caffeine can cause jitters, nervousness, and other ill effects, there’s generally no harm in clearing out the morning cobwebs with a cup of coffee.

Sugar can give your memory and thinking processes a boost, but be careful not to overindulge. It’s a short-term effect, and overdoing it can backfire (not to mention promote weight gain).

Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, valuable nutrients that are essential for brain function and also promote heart health.

Nuts and seeds are rich in vitamin E, which may help protect cognitive function as you age.

Dark chocolate‘s antioxidant properties combined with its caffeine and sugar content make it a tasty and effective way to boost focus and concentration. An ounce a day should do the trick.

Blueberries are a powerhouse of nutrition shown to enhance brain function and reduce the decline of cognition that comes with age.

And don’t forget that in addition to diet, there are two other components that round out a healthy lifestyle: Regular exercise and good-quality sleep are as important as ever.

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