Going to college or vocational school is one of the most exciting parts of a person’s life. Suddenly there are more cultural, social, and (of course) educational opportunities than ever before, and a student’s daily schedule can fill up quickly. So quickly that good eating habits sometimes go out the window, which can have some tough effects on a student’s ability to study well.
One of the best ways to improve thinking and memory is to improve overall health, which means staying on top of exercise and diet. It doesn’t matter which types of food a person eats – whether it be Keto, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, or any other lifestyle choices – filling up a plate or bowl with foods high in flavonoids is a great way to help the brain function at its best.
(Pezibear / pixabay)
What are flavonoids?
Flavonoids may sound like some high-tech space-age culinary robot, but in reality, they are a group of compounds found in certain plants that can help your body. There are six type of flavonoids: flavan-3-ols, flavonols, flavanones, flavones, isoflavones, and anthocyanidins. Some plants (example: blackberries) have all six kinds of flavonoids present, making them superfoods, while other plants only have a few different types. Still, any food with flavonoids present is better than foods without them.
How do flavonoids help the brain and body?
Flavonoids do all sorts of amazing things for your body and brain. Depending on the type and amount, flavonoids can help with inflammation, hormonal regulation, insulin control, memory, digestion, cognitive skills, and they have shown promise for fighting certain diseases. They can also help certain organs (like your liver, brain, and eyes) do their jobs better, making you feel happier and healthier.
What foods have flavonoids?
Flavonoids are present in foods that are whole plants or plant-based (example: cocoa products). Some foods high in flavonoids include:
| Flavonoid | Food |
|---|---|
| Flavan-3-ols | Cocoa products, grapes, berries, apples, red wine, tea (black, white, green, oolong) |
| Flavonols | Berries, onions, kale, tea |
| Flavanones | Citrus fruits |
| Flavones | Parsley, celery, peppermint |
| Isoflavones | Soy foods |
| Anthocyanidins | Berries, red grapes, red wine |
What do flavonoids have to do with studying?
A lot, actually! College students are extremely busy between work, school, and blossoming social calendars, and eating healthy foods isn’t generally at the top of their priority list. Unfortunately, eating unhealthy food often translates to sluggish brains and behavior – two things not conducive to getting a good education.
Certain foods help the brain function better, so when your favorite student is studying for a big test or presentation, you might want to send some student care packages stuffed with these brain-healthy foods. Some things you can include are:
- Chocolate: Dark chocolate is full of flavonoids that help boost memory and mood. Filling your college student care packages with good-quality dark chocolate can help your favorite student do their best work. Of course, you can also send chocolate-laden cookies by mail, such as our double chocolate oatmeal or the ol’ reliable semi-sweet chocolate chip.
- Nuts: With the exception of Brazil nuts and macadamias, all nuts have flavonoids that help with memory and cognition. You can send plain nuts, cocoa-dusted almonds, trail mix, or our oatmeal raisin walnut cookies in your care package.
- Dried berries: Berries are some of the best things to eat if you want to think straight and study hard. They are full of antioxidants and flavonoids that help your brain, digestive system, skin, and circulatory system work their best. If you want to send fresh berries, you might consider using a food delivery system, but if you don’t mind dried berries, you can always send those in the mail yourself. You’ll get double points if you send dried blueberries, cherries, or raspberries dipped in dark chocolate.
- Protein: Protein is notorious for helping your brain feel primed and ready for anything. Eggs, fatty fish, meat, and some legumes are great sources of protein. Animal-based protein is still great for the brain, though it isn’t a good source of flavonoids. If you want a double whammy, send foods that are plant-based and high in protein, such as soy products and peanuts.
- Tea: Tea is very easy to send in the mail, and it is the gift that keeps on giving because often a single tea bag can be used multiple times. Tea makes for a great brain-fortifying drink for your favorite student because it is high in flavonoids and low in sugar.
It’s hard to be separated from loved ones at the best of times, but it can be especially difficult watching a student struggle with the strain and stress that often comes with schooling. One of the best things you can do is send a college student care package stuffed with foods filled with flavonoids to help their brain perform its best.