BREWED February 2015 | Page 20

brain food TOP 10 BRAIN FOODS THE SMART CHOCLATE FIX This one is for all of the chocolate lovers out there. This is your excuse to binge on chocolate - dark chocolate that is. Like tea, dark chocolate has a high level of antioxidants. It’s not always easy for students to make healthy choices when it comes to food. We don’t always have time to whip up an entire nutritious meal. This is where microwave meals, pizzas and chinese takeaways come in handy. However, if you need some extra brain power during studying, it might be wise to to rip this page out of BREWED and head to the AH to bulk up on these foods for optimal cognitive processes! GREEN, GREENER GREENEST Broccoli and other dark green leafy vegetables that are vitamin K rich power your brain and improve cognitive functions. FILL UP ON WHOLE GRAINS BLUEBERRIES Which, in this case, we can refer to as Brainberries, greatly improve learning capacity and motor skills. DON’T FRET THE FAT Foods containing a high amount of healthy fats, such as avocado, oily fishes and beans are essential for brain function and enhance your memory and focus. STEAK Having a steak dinner makes you smarter! Studies show that red meat are high in vitamin B which is vital 12, for healthy brain function. Researchers even concluded that having a B 12 deficiency, leads to brain shrinkage. 20 Whole grains, like oatmeal, brown rice and whole-grains bread, are packed with nutritious fibers and help you maintain focus and concentration. GO NUTS FOR NUTS WATER! Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of vitamin E, which improves memory and thinking skills. Did you know your brain can actually shrink? When you become dehydrated, your brain tissue shrinks/decreases in size, which affects cognitive functions. GRAPE JUICE CURRY The turmeric spice in curry contains an antioxidant called curcumin, which will boost your memory and helps produce new brain cells. Sounds like a great excuse for ordering Indian food tonight! Research shows that grape juice significantly enhances short-term memory as well as motor skills. This is great news! Because according to my reasoning: - Wine is made from grapes. - Wine = grape juice. - Wine makes you smart! Words by Chantal van den Hoogen, Looks by Constantijn Pennekamp