Listening to the buzz of the media about foods and dietary supplements, and you will start to believe they can do everything from sharpen focus enhance attention span, and raise brain function. But can foods really enhance your focus and concentration?

As high schoolers, it is our job to stay focused and concentrated throughout the day in order to excel in the classroom. We are told myths about “the new product we have to have” with empty promises, we are misguided as to what really works. This article is aimed to uncover the truths about what really is considered a brain food and will ultimately help boost concentration and focus. Since Capital High School is mostly online for this year we need to know the real truth about what foods may make distance learning more bearable. 

Are you regularly tempted to skip breakfast due to the lack of time? Studies have found that eating breakfast may improve in the long run short-term memory and attention. Having a balanced meal with a variety of high-fiber whole grains, dairy, and fruits will set you up for success. What types of foods should you include in your breakfast and meals you may ask? Beets might seem odd to some but beets contain nitrates that can dilate blood vessels, increase blood flow, and oxygen to the brain. Thus improving mental performance and promoting better memory, focused concentration, and overall cognition. 

You may think there is no way I’m going to eat beets that’s ridiculous! There are other types of food that will help the brain function as well such as, dark chocolate which boosts serotonin and endorphin levels, which are associated with greater concentration. Have you ever felt worked up at school/zoom? Turns out that reaching for some dark chocolate could help you calm down. Now chocolate doesn’t sound bad at all!

According to our very own Capital High School girls, soccer coach, and P.E teacher Ms. Montez agrees with the idea that eating a balanced meal is a crucial contributor to how we maintain our mindsets and how we gain information as students. She also includes how eating foods rich in omega-3s, such as oily fish, may boost and enhance brain function. In addition to her knowledge, MEDICALNEWSTODAY gave information on oily fish such as salmon, Mackerel, Tuna, Herring, and sardines and how they are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s help build membranes around each cell in the body, including the brain cells to then improve your ability to concentrate and stay focused throughout the day. 

There is not a magic pill or formula that ensures 100% results but implementing some new foods into your diet like beets, chocolate, and fish to name just a few can help increase your concentration and your ability to focus. During the distance learning period, it is hard to stay focused when there are hundreds of different distractions but the simplest act of changing your diet may help curb those temptations for a positive experience. What foods will you implement into your diet?