Food plays an important role in keeping you active throughout the day, but not every food that you eat has good properties. The fitness-conscious, active and successful people always look for productivity boosters in the form of lifestyle and diet because they know that food could have a significant impact on your brain and mental health. According to World Health Organization WHO, healthy food with beneficial properties can increase the productivity level by up to 20 percent.
Productivity boosting foods
Here are the foods that have proven benefits in increasing productivity levels.
1. Salmon
Fatty fishes are known as an excellent source of Omega-3s, which are best for promoting productivity. The omega-3 fatty acids content in salmon promotes mental performance and improves memory, which helps individuals cope with depression and anxiety. A study showed that omega-3s have significant properties in reducing depression. Therefore, make sure to add this food to your diet and consume fatty fish at least once a week.
2. Walnuts
According to research, the people who eat 5 servings of walnuts per week can perform better in a variety of cognitive tasks than those who do not. Nuts are the best source of fiber, especially for old-aged people. Walnuts specifically have been shown to keep people mentally strong, sharp, and stable. Regular intake of walnuts in diet can increase motor skills and improve learning abilities in teenagers, thus making them productive.
3. Yogurt
Yogurt is another superfood essential for increasing productivity. Greek yogurt contains tyrosine, an amino acid that is responsible for producing noradrenaline and dopamine. These are the neurotransmitters that help boost your mood and make you productive. So, if you like snacking while working on your desk, replace your junk food with Greek yogurt or have this for your breakfast to stay productive throughout the day.
4. Blueberries
All berries have been found helpful for the protection of the brain. However, blueberries are known to improve memory. Those people who consume enough blueberries in their diet have fewer risks of memory loss. To kickstart your day, consume blueberries with Greek yogurt for breakfast and stay productive throughout the busy day. You can also enjoy them as an evening snack.
5. Almonds
Lower blood sugar levels can affect cognitive efficiency and make you feel down. Research suggested that popping a few almonds on daily basis can improve brain functions and make you active. Almonds contain healthy fats, which slow down the digestion process of sugar and carbs. Consuming almonds in your diet can keep your blood sugar levels steady and optimum and make you energetic throughout the day.
6. Green tea
Green tea is one of the most healthy and beneficial drinks you can have in your day. It possesses metabolism-boosting properties, makes skin glowing, and is helpful in weight loss. When you replace other drinks with green tea, it will make you feel relaxed, and focused, and will fight off any mental fatigue. So, make a habit of drinking a cup of green tea one time a day and stay productive.
7. Flax seeds
Flax seeds deserve to be on top of your healthy foods list because of several properties it has. This superfood increases your daily intake of ALA- alpha-linolenic acid, which is a healthy fat important for the strengthening of the brain. You can have flax seeds as a salad dressing, toast topping, or enjoy this super seed in your smoothie. Flaxseeds also help with digestion issues as they are a rich source of fiber.
8. Bananas
Bananas are undoubtedly one of the most healthy and delicious fruits. Bananas contain the perfect amount of sugar required by our body for the better functioning of the brain. Less or more amount of glucose in the bloodstream can slow down mental performance, which is why banana is an important food to be consumed in daily diet. Bananas are also good for individuals with constipation problems.
9. Brown rice
Magnesium is one of the most important nutrients for increasing productivity levels. Brown rice is known as the best source of magnesium and has stress-relieving properties. If you want to stay healthy and productive throughout the week, make sure to replace your white rice with brown rice, as it is important for improving cognitive functions.
Conclusion
Many people don’t pay enough attention to their diet, especially those who work in an office and have limited options. Staying at home moms also don’t pay enough attention to what they eat and often end up eating unhealthy food items. If you noticed you have been paying less attention to your diet, consider adding these superfoods to your diet and reap the productivity-boosting benefits.
