Foods That Help Improve Concentration & Energy

Whether studying for an exam, writing an essay, preparing for an important business meeting or simply in day-to-day life, having high concentration and energy levels is integral to success. Drinking sufficient water has long been said to improve the functioning of your body and mind, but there are also some food products that have a similar effect. These are an addition to, not a replacement for, good hydration.

Fish

• Fish, particularly fatty fishes such as salmon, tuna or anchovies, are rich in omega-3. Scientific studies have shown that this helps to improve energy, concentration and brain function by keeping blood vessels elastic and preventing plaque accumulation. This is not a quick fix solution to poor concentration; omega-3-rich fish should be eaten between one and three times a week, over a long period of time, to allow the effects to build up. The appropriate fish typically live in the deep sea, and are often under threat from over-fishing and pollution. This means that it is important to know where your fish is sourced from; if a fish comes from pollute waters, the health benefits can be negated.

Coffee

• Coffee contains caffeine and antioxidants, which act as stimulants, providing a short-term boost to your concentration, alertness and information retention levels. However, as Noralyn Wilson, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association comments, coffee does not have the same effect on everyone. "Some people will feel up with the accelerated heart rate caused by the stimulant while others may feel jittery and uncomfortable." It is important to remember that the more you drink coffee, the less effective it becomes. Therefore, you should avoid drinking coffee out of habit and simply drink it when you feel you need an energy boost. You can also overdose on caffeine, drinking so much that it starts to have the reverse effect and make you unfocused. Although effective, this substance should only be used in moderation as a stimulant.

Ginseng

• Ginseng is a Chinese herb that is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve concentration, energy levels and memory function. According to traditional Chinese culture, the herb can be used to heal almost all ailments, shown by the name which comes from the Greek for "all healing." In Western countries, Ginseng can be purchased in the form of Ginseng tea, which can be found in some chain stores, as well as most specialty tea shops and nearly all Chinese medicine establishments.