1. By: Caroline Epstein and Jenna Gulla

2. Certain foods can help to improve concentration, memory, and thinking skills. Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins are all part of a healthy brain diet. Brain foods include salmon, eggs, whole grains, nuts, oats, berries, beans, vegetables, dairy products, and lean meat.

3. Contains Omega- 3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA, which are essential brain nutrients. An increase of fatty acids in a diet leads to a sharper, more alert mind.

4. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, an essential brain nutrient. Egg yolks contain choline, which aids with memory development.

5. Whole grains contain glucose, an essential brain nutrient. The fiber in whole grains aids in regulating the release of glucose in the body. B-vitamins in whole grains give a healthy boost to the nervous system.

6. Nuts contain vitamin E, which is an essential antioxidant that protects the nervous system. They also provide thiamin to regulate the brain’s use of glucose for energy.

7. Oats contain fiber, zinc, potassium, and vitamins E and B which help the brain to function at full capacity. Oats also provide the energy the brain needs.

8. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries contain vitamin C, and antioxidants which are good for the brain. The seeds in berries are a good source of omega-3 fats.

9. Beans contain protein, vitamins, minerals, and complex carbs. Beans also contain Omega-3 fats which are important for brain growth and function.

10. Vegetables such as spinach and squash, that are rich in color, contain powerful antioxidants which keep the brain strong and healthy.

11. Dairy foods contain protein and B-vitamins which are essential for growth of brain tissue, neurotransmitters, and enzymes They also contain Vitamin D which aids in the growth of the neuromuscular system.

12. Meat contains iron and zinc, which help with concentration and memory. Vegetarians can eat soy burgers for a similar source of nonheme iron, a type of iron that needs Vitamin C in order to be absorbed by the body.