Fitness fans are being urged to swap out sugary treats for these ten brain foods in order to stay alert and proactive throughout the day.
Health and fitness experts at Vivotion.com have compiled a list of the top ten snacks to keep hunger at bay and improve your brain health along the way.
Suggestions include nibbling on seaweed to benefit the body’s nervous system or sprinkling rosemary on salad to gain antioxidants and vitamins.
Sweet toothed Brits can rejoice at the news that dark chocolate has been scientifically proven to relieve stress and improve concentration.
Plus, cups of tea could provide the right amount of caffeine and other antioxidants when consumed in small amounts.
A spokesperson from Vivotion.com said: “It’s important to identify snacks which can keep hunger at bay whilst also benefitting brain health for a well-rounded nutritious diet.
“Most households will probably have some of these foods in the kitchen cupboards already, but it’s useful to know some of the benefits in order to utilise the foods efficiently.
“People often feel sluggish at work so instead of dosing up on carbs and sugar for a quick fix, our list shows the foods you can eat to get through the day whilst looking after your body.”
Here is Vivotion.com's list of the top brain boosting foods:
1. Sardines
Sardines are full of Vitamin D, which has been shown to have a huge impact on the brain. Studies suggest Vitamin D is essential for optimum nerve function and just two cans a day will provide your brain with all the Vitamin D it needs.
2. Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are packed full of Vitamin E and studies have shown that having high levels of Vitamin E can improve brain function. The vitamin can actively protect brain membranes from damage and is a must-have when working hard.
3. Eggs
Eggs are well known for their high-protein content, which is already known to keep your brain sharp. But this dynamic dish is also packed with Choline, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and cognition.
4. Biltong
Red meat is packed with iron and the mineral is essential to transporting oxygen around the body, including to the brain. Biltong is a handy and delicious snack that contains around 15% of your recommended daily allowance of iron.
5. Beans
Substitute baked or boiled beans for ones that are dried. The tasty snack restores the glucose levels in your blood and provides your brain with a steady stream of energy to keep it functioning throughout the day.
6. Chia seeds
Chia seeds are a great source of Omega-3 and Omega-6, as well as protein, carbohydrates and antioxidants. Meaning they provide a wealth of essential brain boosting properties.
7. Tea
Despite the bad rep tea gets due to its caffeine content, the hot beverage is one of the best ways of consuming caffeine in a healthy way. Two to three cups a day provide just the right amount of caffeine whilst also hydrating your body.
8. Dark chocolate
Chocolate, in pure form, can provide a variety of health benefits that is not often associated with the sweet stuff. Eating dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa has been known to relieve stress, improve concentration and even boost your mood.
9. Rosemary
Rosemary isn’t just for seasoning roast chicken, it also contains a chemical called 1,8-cineole which increases a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Therefore, rosemary is a great snack to improve memory and brain function.
10. Seaweed
Seaweed is a great source of iodine, which has strong links to aiding and improving the body’s nervous system as well as thyroid function. Many people who eat seaweed regularly find it helps keep their energy levels up throughout the day.
