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PhD Foodies – not as crazy as you might think

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Have you started a PhD recently? Are you finding it hard to concentrate on the writing part? In another article we mentioned the importance of breaks when developing your PhD thesis so that your concentration stays at its optimum levels. But did you ever think how your day-to-day diet might also affect your energy levels? If you think cognitive decline only starts after 60, think again. According to a study by the British Medical Journal, the decrease in memory can start as early as 45*. So why not help yourself by adding “smart” foods and beverages to your diet?

All of these suggestion will help, but you have to realize that in the end there is no magic pill to boost IQ or make you smarter. Even so, many researcher claim that certain substances can energise you and help you concentrate. For a short term buzz, maybe when you just need to finish a chapter of your thesis, caffeine might prove to be a helpful friend. But do not overdo it because it can also make you jittery or uncomfortable. Not a fan of it? What about something sweet? Sugar is the brain’s favorite fuel source, and the glucose absorbed by the body can offer that short term boost to memory, thinking and mental ability.

Also, try not to skip the first meal of the day. According to recent studies, students who have breakfast tend to perform better than the ones that don’t. Keep it simple and light: high fiber whole grains, dairy and fruits.

What are the exact foods scientists say will feed your brain and help you focus on a new chapter or developing your thesis? We did a bit of research for you and this is what we came up with:

• Fish – the Omega 3 fatty acids found in it are essential to proper neural function

• Nuts – beside the fatty acids, they contain a good amount of iron that provides oxygen to the brain, increasing your mental alertness and your ability to retain information.
• Whole grains – rich in fiber and vitamin E, they energize you and enhance memory function
• Apples – we all know an apple a day, keeps the doctor away, but what some of us don’t know is that these fruits are full of quercetin, a powerful antioxidant
• Dark chocolate – besides being tasty, this type of chocolate enhances blood flow to the brain, increasing clarity and alertness
• Spinach – is full of folic acid vegetable is known for reversing memory loss and giving your brain a boost
• Berries – are not only a flavorful snack, but also reduce the level of toxins in your bloodstream and improve the blood flow to the brain

Will these suggestions enable you to write 100 pages of your PhD in an instant?

Probably not, but research argues they will improve your health, make your brain stronger and help you develop a better thesis much more easily.

* www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16425522

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