Don’t forget to feed your head for best performance

Ever had one of those days when you just couldn’t seem to concentrate? Maybe your mind is a little foggy or you can’t seem to focus?

It could be something you ate (or didn’t eat)…

In real life I am not much of a health food nut. While some of my colleagues happily munch on chia seeds or some other ghastly concoction for breakfast, I confess that most of the time coffee and a bagel has been just fine, thank you very much.

Still there is no denying that study after study has shown that some foods indeed have a more beneficial effect on brain function than others. So – you are looking for an edge in your career right? Well why not pay attention to what you are consuming? Give it a try and please let me know if it works. Maybe I will replace that bagel with a blueberry smoothie or something…

So here are some foods that evidence has shown does influence the brain and therefore your cognitive performance;

Coffee – Ah, my favorite! Coffee has been shown to improve mental acuity and has antioxidant properties as well. More is not better though – take it easy.

Berries – Animal studies have long indicated a link between berry consumption and brain health. But a recent study published in the Annals of Neurology found that a diet high in blueberries, strawberries and others were linked to improved memory and focus in a large sample of middle-aged women.

Salmon – Salmon and other fatty fish are well-known brain boosters due to omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA.

Avocado -these are loaded with monounsaturated fats that improve vascularity and blood flow, making them another brain food.

Water – Did you know that dehydration can actually shrink your brain? And when your brain shrinks it can impair decision making and focus, among other things.

Oh, and remember how we were always told that alcohol and drugs kill brain cells and you can’t make more? Well they still do, but recent studies say you actually can make new brain cells…

So will all this make you smarter? Raise your IQ a few points?

Sorry, no. But it will make sure you are using all that you have as effectively as possible.

Maybe if I can get my manager to have that blueberry smoothie for breakfast, he will understand why I need more time to finish my project…