During academic years, and especially during the exams session, nursing students are always looking for sources of energy and focus. Taking into consideration the large amount of information and knowledge they have to absorb, they are usually searching over remedies in order to improve focus and attention. One of the best sources of energy and mind effectiveness is food. Different types of food have different qualities in terms of benefits that they provide to the human body.
There are a lot of studies underway in the area of foods and supplements. When it comes to focus and concentration, it looks like there is a common agreement on the below top 5 foods:
- Blueberries
- Green tea leaves
- Fish fats and oils
- Dark chocolate
- Flax seed
These top 5 foods have been suggested from all the specialists interviewed on this topic. The top 5 foods listed have been shown as effective also to nursing students that have participated into this research.
Blueberries
Despite being tasty, blueberries are found effective in terms of concentration and focus as well. The main benefits are found in their antioxidant properties combination:
- Anthocyanins
- Proanthocyanidins
- Resveratrol
- Tannins
This antioxidant combination is found effective in terms of focus and concentration. As well, it has also been shown effectiveness as a protection barrier in front of dementia, heart diseases and different types of cancer. Consuming blueberries in a natural way would improve blood circulation in the overall body. This would mean, more oxygen to the brain. Once the brain is fueled in the required amounts of oxygen, nursing students focus will be highly improved for several hours after. It is very important to mention that in order to benefit from the blueberries energy source, they should be consumed naturally and stored naturally as well.
Green tea leaves
Green tea leaves have appeared highly efficient during hard times. Nursing students report that green tea leaves has been their companion mostly during exams time, when concentration needs are at their peak. The green tea leaves’ functions are based in two main components that are mentioned as per below:
- Caffeine
- L-theanine (natural caffeine release controller)
Caffeine is already known in regards to its efficiency to keep mind alert and concentration. But, on the other side, caffeine uncontrolled consumption has been showing a negative impact as well, increased levels of anxiety, heart palpitations, pressure, and similar. Whilst, green leaves tea consumption does not. Why? Because of the L-theanine. Studies have shown that this component’s ability is to increase levels of relaxation and support the caffeine release process as slowly as necessary to the body to be fuelled with. This means that the combination of these two elements in the green leaves tea does diminish the chances of caffeine uncontrolled alone consumption. This herbal tea is also found beneficial in terms of speed of information absorbing and memorizing. In order to be effective it should be consumed in its natural form.
Fish fats and oils
Fish fats and oils are rich in omega – 3 acids. This component is found effective in regards to memory and mental general well being and mood performance. Studies that have been performed amongst individuals who consume omega – 3 and those who do not consume it, have been showing that those individuals who have a lack of this component into their diet have poor memory and concentration. Individuals lacking omega – 3 have also been reported as prone to mood alteration and depression. This element can be received through registered trademarked supplements or through natural sources. Best natural sources that have been reported to provide considerable amounts of this component are:
- Salmon
- Trout
- Mackerel
- Herring
- Sardines
- Pilchards
- Kipper
Consuming fish is also considered as a healthy eating regime. Those individuals who do not have the possibility to consume fish on regular basis for any kind of constraints, can benefit from same beneficial elements consuming daily prescribed dosage of the omega – 3 supplements. Omega – 3 supplements are generally considered safe (no side effects), but, anyways, before administration, nursing students should be consulting professionals of the area.
Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is always found on a nursing students table. It is a pleasurable and practice source of energy, focus and concentration. Dark chocolate has a number of ingredients in its formula that support these positive impacts on the individuals. Below mentioned are the two most important ones:
- Caffeine (In small quantities)
- Magnesium
Caffeine, already mentioned for its ability to keep mind alert, is being provided in small amounts through dark chocolate. Instead magnesium, is found in relevant quantities. This component ability is to reduce stress effects and stimulate endorphin and serotonin release. These two elements are found simulants of happiness. Dark chocolate is being provided in acceptable amounts of sugar. Thus, it does not negatively impact general healthy diet regime. Anyways, it has to be mentioned that it should always be consumed in controlled quantities and intervals. Dark chocolate, even in small amounts, can improve nursing students mind alertness and focus during exams session and during their academic studies.
Flax seeds
Flax seeds are included into the top 5 list of foods that help nursing students focus, because they have a number of elements that facilitate the process. Below mentioned are the most effective ones:
- Magnesium
- B-Vitamins
- Omega – 3 fatty acids
- Fibre
All of these elements included in the flax seed structure are highly increasing concentration and focus levels. They are also found to be contributing to general mind clarity. They can be introduced to your daily eating regime any convenient time. Taking into consideration their form and nature, they cannot be consumed alone and that is why, they are usually advised to be added to:
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Salad
- Cereal
It is important to mention that they should be grinded before consumed. This way the body will properly absorb and take advantage of their beneficial components.
What does this all mean?
Nursing students might consider to be regular consumers of all of these foods. They are strongly invited to introduce these elements in their eating regime and consuming at certain intervals during the day. Their combination would provide a boosting “cocktail” of energy, concentration and focus.
For sure there are even more foods to be considered effective in regards to focus. Water for instance is considered effective in terms of mind alertness since it supplies the brain with relevant quantities of oxygen.
Considering that individual human structure is of a peculiar nature – same foods might provide different results to different individuals, one has to individually adopt these ingredients as per their convenience when looking for increased levels of focus.
