You are what you eat which is why the brain boosting foods are quite the buzzword. No amount of denying or lying is going to help you get that out of the way. Poker is a game that requires your utmost concentration and attention. It is important to understand that the act of thinking and focusing is a biochemical procedure.
The cells in your brain require neurotransmitter chemicals to duplicate pathways and facilitate efficient communication between the cells in your body. Acetylcholine, Dopamine, and Serotonin are the three most basic neurotransmitters that exist in your body.
The nutritional consumption of the supposed “brain foods” that we shall discuss here promotes the production of these important neurotransmitters, and the outcome will be having increased focus, concentration, and amazing memory-related skills.
Fish
Fatty fish, in particular, ranks top amongst brain boosting foods as they are an amazing source of Omega 3, essential healthy fats for your noggin. Omega 3 is a fatty acid that helps to promote the improvement of cellular building blocks. Consumption of this type of fatty fish can help produce all three of the necessary neurotransmitters, therefore increasing concentration, helping you improve learning and memory and make better, more accurate decisions whilst playing your hand at Poker.
Bananas
Bananas are some of the best brain foods available to you. This is because they are high in Vitamin B, particularly Vitamin B6! Vitamin B6 helps the body produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. A lack of this vital vitamin can cause confusion, irritability as well as depression.
These are not qualities you want or require, especially whilst playing a tough game of poker, where the most amount of your focus is needed. Other than bananas, hazelnuts, spinach, potatoes, whole grains also provide a good source of Vitamin B6 and hence, make for excellent brain healthy foods.
Whole Grains
Other than the fact that whole grains are filled with Vitamin B, magnesium and iron, they are also an amazing source of glucose which is your body’s most significant source of energy for proper physical and mental functioning. Unlike other processed and refined foods, whole grains haven’t been refined to the part where important components like fiber and protein have been lost.
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Whole grains are amongst the best brain foods as they help regulate your blood sugar too. Carbohydrates are good for you, contrary to popular belief. You need a minimum of 50 grams of carbohydrates a day to support the proper functioning of your brain and other vital organs in your body.
Green Tea
The health benefits of this drink are well known. Green tea has won multiple awards (especially amongst social circles) about being the healthiest hot drink around town. It contains antioxidants that kill free radicals in your body and help you detox and improve your memory and concentration levels!
Avocados
Avocados are the healthiest fruits you can consume! These green powerhouses are filled with mono-saturated fats or the good kind of fats that keep your blood sugar in check and help your skin to glow!
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Avocados contain great amounts of Vitamin K and folate, which helps prevent blood clots in the brain and help improve cognitive function, especially help in improving your memory and powers of concentration. Avocados have the highest protein and lowest sugar content as compared to any other fruit! Rejoice!
Blueberries
These are the fruits that contain the most amount of antioxidants known to man, including vitamin C and vitamin K as well as fiber. Blueberries also consist of Gallic acid and thus are capable of protecting your brain from degeneration or stress.
Broccoli
Why do our parents always force us to consume broccoli and leafy greens? It is because it is one of the best brain boosting foods available. It has a great content of vitamin K and choline, which has proven to keep your memory sharp for longer duration’s of time.
Just one cup of broccoli has over 150% of your daily vitamin C requirement. It has dietary fiber as well, this is why it is so important for you, especially whilst you play poker, to keep your mood stable, and be able to focus. Vitamin C helps with all of that.
Dark Chocolate
How did this make it to the list? Dark chocolate is actually good for you because it is filled with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can surprisingly help lower your blood pressure and improve blood flow to your brain and heart, two things important to be noted whilst playing poker. Do not forget to add some nuts and seeds to make the perfect crunchy delicious smoothie for summers.
These healthy foods above that have been mentioned are vital for you as a poker player and more importantly to lead a truly healthy life!
