The rich vitamin content in fruit and vegetables means there are all sorts of benefits associated with the consumption of nature’s very own snack food. At work, increasingly fresh fruit is provided by employers as a healthy alternative to traditional snack foods like chocolate and crisps. Not only is this approach valued by employees, but research from Fruitful Office has shown it can also bring a much needed boost to the levels of productivity and energy in the office.
Typically, workers looking to up their energy levels have turned to coffee and tea for the jolt they need, but increasingly, employers and employees alike are waking up to the benefits of fruit and veg. Opt for healthy office snack delivery rather than buying unhealthy snacks like potato chips. Here are five of the best fruits and vegetables to keep your concentration levels high.
- Blueberries
Not only are these little balls of goodness extremely tasty, but they are also one of nature’s very own superfoods, packed full of antioxidants. A 2010 report by the Agricultural and Food Chemistry found those who drank blueberry juice every day for two months improved their performance at learning and memory tests significantly.
- Spinach
If you’re in search of brain food, spinach is the leafy green you should turn to. Chock-full of lutein, folate and beta-carotene, spinach has plenty of nutrients to keep you alert and focused through the day. These nutrients have also been linked with preventing dementia, which is why some neurologists recommend eating a serving of spinach at least three times a week.
- Avocados
Despite their high fat content, avocados remain one of the healthiest foods you can eat. These green powerhouses are packed with monosaturated fats (the good kind of fat), as well as vitamin K and folate, which help to improve cognitive function, particularly your memory and concentration.
- Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the best brain foods out there. You might not fall in love with the taste of this ubiquitous green but as well as being ridiculously cheap, it is also stacked full of good stuff. Its high levels of vitamin K and choline will help to keep your memory sharp and improve concentration levels. It also has high levels of fibre and vitamin C.
- Leafy greens
If it’s leafy and green then you can’t really go wrong. Vegetables like cabbage, kale and Swiss chard are full of antioxidants and carotenoids, which not only help to protect your brain, but can also boost its power. Leafy greens are also full of B-vitamins. These essential nutrients have been proven to benefit your memory, focus and overall brain health and power.
- Carrots
Carrots have long been associated with benefits to vision, but you might not know they are also great for our brains. One of the compounds found in carrots, luteolin, can protect against age-related memory loss and improve overall brain health. You can also find luteolin in olive oil, rosemary, celery and peppers.