8 foods to boost brainpower!

Eating well is good for mental as well as physical health – this is especially important for a growing teenager! The brain requires nutrients just like your heart, lungs or muscles do. But which foods are particularly important to support your teenager’s development and growth.


- Whole grains work
Like everything else in your body, the brain can’t function without energy. The ability to concentrate and focus comes from the steady supply of energy – in the form of glucose in our blood to the brain. Choose whole grains with a low-GI, such as “brown” cereals, wheat bran, granary bread and brown pasta.


- Feast on fish
Essential fatty acids cannot be made by the body and must be obtained through food! Good sources of EFAs include oily fish (salmon, trout, herring, sardines, mackerel), linseed oil, soya bean oil, pumpkin seeds, walnut oil and soya beans. Eating oil fish is especially good for healthy brain function, the heart, joint and general wellbeing.


- Binge on blueberries
Evidence shows that consuming blueberries may be effective in improving or delaying short term memory loss. Blueberries are available everywhere, so there’s no excuse not to eat them!


- Pick up pumpkin seeds
Just a handful of pumpkin seeds a day is all you need to get your recommended daily amount of zinc, which is extremely helpful for enhancing memory and thinking skills.


- Blackcurrant boost
Vitamin C has long been thought to have the power to increase mental agility. One of the best sources of this vital vitamin is blackcurrants.


- Bet on broccoli
Broccoli is a great source of vitamin K. This vitamin is known to enhance cognitive function and improve overall brainpower.


- Sprinkle on sage
Sage has long had a reputation for improving memory and although most studies focus on sage as an essential oil, it could be worth adding fresh sage to your diet too.


- Nutty for nuts
Nuts are a great source of vitamin E, along with leafy green vegetables, asparagus, olives, seeds, eggs, brown rice and whole grains.

The teenage years are a period of rapid physical, emotional and intellectual maturation. To boost brainpower, make sure your teenager’s eating habits include all of these 8 foods!


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