While there is no substitution for hard work and no short cut to getting a good education, there are some smart food choices that can boost your brainpower. Many are unaware of the variety of foods that have the ability to affect they way we learn and how we remember things.

We’ve often heard people talk about the importance of having a good breakfast before school and particularly before an exam. They may be referring to the eggs. Eggs contain tyrosine which help produce dopamine. The dopamine heightens our ability to focus and concentrate. You’ve probably heard someone refer to fish as brain food at some point in your life, now you’ll understand why. Salmon, sardines, tuna and omega-3, which greatly enhance our memory capability. We’ve had spinach, broccoli and brussel sprouts put on our plates since we were kids. That’s because green, leafy vegetables and fruits increase our capacity to learn. They contain things like magnesium, folic acid, quercetin, and iron. These are vital for brain development and also provide support when you need a little extra help. Fruits and vegetables will also provide quick energy that lasts and doesn’t leave you with a food hangover feeling.

Another important reason to reach for an apple each day is to make you more intelligent. Apples, blueberries, and grapes are full of powerful antioxidants. These are considered all-natural memory boosters. Other foods that are not so commonly considered brain foods are onions, beets, cherries, orange juice and products made from whole grains. Eating these foods can actually allow us to process information more quickly and have an easier time organizing and recalling it. Yogurt is best known for its active cultures and for assisting those with stomach troubles, but it also supports memory function and efficiency. Feeding infants milk aids in brain development and continues to support our brain at every age. Nuts, eggs and milk will also help boost a sluggish memory.

What does all this mean? It means that if we want to keep our ability to learn, remember, and process in good working order, then we should pay attention to the types of foods we’re eating. Eating a well-balanced breakfast consisting of eggs, whole grain bread or cereal, fruit or fruit juice and even yogurt can help us give our brains a jump-start. Make snack choices wisely. Fruits, vegetables, yogurt, cheese are great choices. Dinners and lunches that contain fish, green leafy vegetables and fruits for dessert will help keep you alert and ready to learn. Eating these foods won’t replace studying, but they can keep your brain working at full capacity.