by Cielo Panda

Do you have a deadline at the office by 5pm? Did you study for all 7 examinations tomorrow? What about your post-graduate report? Whether you are an engineer at the office, a post-grad student, or a still a struggling student-slash-engineer-to-be, you will need all the brain power you can get to perform well throughout the day and finish all your tasks with flying colors.

As engineers or engineers to be, we should be aware of how to take extra care of our best buddy who analyzes, crunches inhumane numbers, and solves our daily engineering problems everyday— the Brain.

Keep your brain healthy and sharp everyday by snacking on these 10 healthy yummies.

Beans and Legumes

Fart Alert! Beans and Legumes are top sources of complex carbohydrates. These complex carbohydrates are also mixed with fiber, that’ s slows absorption, giving us a steady supply of glucose for the brain w / o spiking our sugar levels. They are also rich in folate a B vitamin critical to brain function and omega fatty acids.

Coconut Oil

Even our body needs to be“ oiled” once in a while. Low levels of fats in our blood can contribute to depression, Alzheimer’ s and Dementia. Coconut Oil can help raise good Cholesterol levels, weight loss and combat Dementia. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and has been linked in helping prevent the onset of these brain disorders.

Peanuts and Peanut Butter

Who doesn’ t love to snack on peanuts and the classic PB and J sandwich? Yes, peanuts and peanut butter are high in fat, but they tend to be a source of healthy fats, and they are packed with vitamin E. Both foods may help keep the heart and brain healthy and functioning properly. Other good choices are almonds and hazelnuts. So don’ t be guilty and bring on the munchies!

Dark Chocolate

Ohhhh— the temptation, the creamy bittersweet flavor, the chocolatey goodness! Studies have shown that flavanols in chocolate improves blood vessel function which in turn improves our brain’ s cognitive function and memory. Dark chocolate is also known to improve mood, can ease pain, and is full of antioxidants. So indulge!

Tomato

Tomaytoe— tomaahtoe … These red fruits— yes, they’ re fruits— have lycopene, one of the most powerful anti-oxidants that give numerous benefits to our body, especially the brain. This could help protect against the kind of free radical damage to cells which occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’ s.

Red Wine

Studies show that people who moderately— take note * coughs *— moderately drink red wine and other types of alcohol may be at a reduced risk of Alzheimer’ s. So sit back, relax, and have a drink once in a while, but remember, even too much of a good thing is bad. * winks *

Sunflower seeds / Pumpkin Seeds

These two contain a healthy mix of omega fatty acids, proteins and B vitamins, which aid in giving you additional energy. Depressed? Though small, these seeds are loaded with Trytophan, which the brain converts into Serotonin to boost you mood and combat anxiety and depression. A handful of these seeds will give your daily recommended amount of Zinc,-a suppkement that aids in enhancing memory and

thinking skills.

Vitamins

Certain B-Vitamins such as B6, B12 and folic acid are known for reducing levels of homocysteine in the blood. Elevated levels of homocysteine can cause higher risks of stroke, cognitive impairment and

Alzheimer’ s disease.

Fish

Tuna, Milkfish, Salmon, Mackerel and other fish are very rich in heart healthy omega 3- fatty acids. This also includes Docosahexaenoic acid( DHA), which has a vital role for the optimum function of neurons in your brain. So grab some fish and go for some sushi!!!!

Dark Green Leafy Veggies

Veggies like Spinach, broccoli, and kale are very good sources of vitamin E and folate. Green leafy vegetables lowers levels of homocysteine in the blood. High levels of homocysteine in the blood may trigger death of nerve cells in the brain. So let’ s be green and eat greens!