Mental performance

As simple or complicated a task, your mental agility is going to determine how well and soon you’ll be able to complete it. Either you read a book to unwind in the evening or earn your living working as an astronaut the better you’ll focus – the more you’ll get done!

In an ideal world we’d wake up with a clear, focused mind daily and that’d stay consistent throughout the day. However, more and more people turn to stimulants such as coffee, energy drinks or nootropics to enhance and sustain mental performance. While these may be okay in small quantities and when made with healthy ingredients, mental stimulants won’t compensate for poor nutrition.

Not all foods are created equally

Following a healthy diet plays an essential part in achieving mental agility daily and in the long term. Whole, natural foods will provide your mind with a variety of nutrients that are known to support mental performance, psychological function and cognitive health such as complex carbohydrates, Iodine, Iron and Zinc, Magnesium, Thiamine (Vitamin B1), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5), Vitamin B6, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Folate (Vitamin B9) and Vitamin B12, Vitamin C and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). All these are found in beneficial quantities in superfoods.

Superfood greens and mental performance

Superfoods such as Spirulina and Chlorella are fantastic sources of iodine and iron to help support cognitive function. Wheatgrass, Barley Grass and Spinach are also good sources of iron as well as zinc, which makes them a great choice for anyone looking to boost cognition too. Low in sugar and made of complex carbohydrates, these green superfoods are some of the healthiest food choices to support your mind. Add them to bakes, smoothies and shakes to reap the benefits in a tasty and convenient way.

Mushrooms and Nutritional yeast

Mushrooms and Nutritional yeast won’t only add a distinctive taste to your meals, they’re also high in a plethora of nutrients that will work to support overall health. When it comes to mental performance, Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of Thiamine (Vitamin B1) and Niacin (Vitamin B3) which contribute to normal psychological function and support the nervous system. Similarly, Nutritional Yeast delivers good levels of Thiamine, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5), Vitamin B6, Folate (Vitamin B9) and Vitamin B12, all needed to maintain good cognitive function.

The superfood gifts of Latin America

Latin America is home to several exotic superfoods that the locals have been traditionally consuming for their effects on energy, mental performance or overall health. Among these fascinating plants, there are a few that deliver remarkable levels of nutrients needed for good mental performance.

• Camu Camu is a rich source of vitamin C which contributes to the normal psychological function and healthier nervous system, while also supports your immune system and fights fatigue.
• Acai berries, nutty and chocolaty, will add magnesium, manganese, iron, zinc and several phytonutrients to your meals.
• Lucuma is a good source of iron and zinc and it’s naturally sweet so it can be used as a natural sugar replacement.
• Popular cacao products such as powder and nibs are some incredibly delicious sources of magnesium, zinc and iron.

There are several other Superfoods and botanical extracts that are associated with mental performance. However, these benefits are yet to be recognized and authorized by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). We recommend including a variety of fruits and vegetables, superfoods, complex carbohydrates and clean protein sources in all of your daily meals to ensure that you support your mind and body with all the nutrients it needs.