Brain food: How nutrition improves your cognitive abilities

Whether at work, during sports or in stressful everyday phases – your brain needs energy. You can get more focus and more energy with the right foods. So-called brain food will get your brain running at peak performance.

Here you'll learn which foods truly help boost your concentration in everyday life and improve your brainpower. We'll show you how brain food can help you stay more focused and which snacks can support you.

1. What is meant by brain food?

Brain food refers to foods that have been proven to have positive effects on our brain function. They can support and promote our brain performance by providing essential nutrients for the brain.

The term originally comes from nutritional science and is based on the understanding that certain nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants protect and activate nerve cells.

2. Why the brain needs the right nutrients

Your brain makes up only 2% of your body weight, but consumes around 20% of your daily energy. No wonder: it's always on duty and hungry. A day with optimal brain food should include these important nutrients:

• Omega-3 fatty acids : The brain consists largely of lipids (fats and fatty acids). These perform important functions in the brain, such as signal transmission between cells. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in foods such as salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds.
• B vitamins : promote signal transmission in the brain (e.g. B. in whole grain products, high-protein muesli)
• Antioxidants : These protect cells from oxidative stress. You can find antioxidants, for example, in berries or dark chocolate.
• Proteins : These provide the building blocks for neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.

Snack tip: Layenberger Cräkker provide you with high-quality seeds, not only energy, but also plant-based proteins for mental power.

3. The Top 8 Brain Foods

Think yourself slim – sounds crazy, but it works! These snacks will fill your brain and your stomach.

• Salmon & mackerel – rich in Omega-3, ideal for memory
• Walnuts & almonds – promote concentration & nerves
• Oatmeal & whole grain products – long-lasting energy from complex carbohydrates
• Blueberries & dark berries – full of antioxidants, good for short-term memory
• Dark chocolate (from 70 %) – Caffeine & flavonoids for alert synapses
• Eggs – contain choline for signal transmission in the brain
• Green leafy vegetables – provide vitamin K and folic acid for neuronal processes
• Banana as a super brain food: The banana combines all the nutrients (carbohydrates, potassium, magnesium and manganese, vitamins C and B6, as well as antioxidants) for your brain power: It is one of the top brain foods and it makes you feel good.

4. The difference: Functional Food vs. Brain Food

	Functional Food	Brain food
What is that?	Generally functional foods with added benefits (e.g. B. enriched with vitamins) Targets digestion, immune system, heart health, etc.	Specifically designed to support brain function Targets focus, concentration and memory
Example?	Probiotic yogurt Isotonic drinks for athletes 3K Protein Shake High Protein Chips	Blueberries nuts Crackers High Protein Muesli

Layenberger brainfood products, such as our high-protein muesli or our crackers, combine functionality with taste – for power and focus in your everyday life.

5. Simple, smart brain food recipes for your everyday life

High-protein brain bowl with berries and banana

Grab a bowl and try this super delicious, filling brain food recipe:

• 100g of low-fat quark as a base, mixed with one scoop of protein powder from Layenberger.
• 60g of berries of your choice (e.g. raspberries and blueberries)
• 50g banana
• 50g Layenberger nut muesli with blueberries and chia seeds as a topping

You can find more low-calorie and filling brain food recipes under Recipes .

6. Besides your brain food: 5 helpful tips for more focus in everyday life

In addition to proper nutrition, do something good for your brain by integrating these 5 helpful tips into your daily routine to boost your concentration and improve focus.

1. Brain food: Fuel your brain with these snacks at your desk: Layenberger Cräkker , Airy Chips , High Protein Muesli
2. Stay hydrated: Drink enough fluids
3. Take regular breaks
4. A healthy lifestyle , including sufficient sleep and a balanced and healthy diet, is essential.
5. Calm yourself and your brain: Meditation & relaxation phases in everyday life

Whether at work, studying, or playing sports: If you want to think clearly, you should eat smart. Brain food provides your brain with the specific nutrients it needs for peak performance – without calorie traps or sugar crashes.

Snack smart now! Treat your brain to the best – with the clever snacks from Layenberger. For more focus, power and taste.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Brain Food

Which drink is good for the brain?

Mineral water, green tea, or herbal tea provide the brain with fluids without sugar. ( More information )

When should you eat brain food?

Ideally, take it regularly – for breakfast, as a snack, or before mental exertion.

Does coffee count as brain food?

Yes – in moderation! Caffeine promotes blood circulation, activates nerve cells and combats fatigue.

---

Sources:
https://www.aok.de/pk/magazin/ernaehrung/gesunde-ernaehrung/brainfood-die-optimale-ernaehrung-fuer-das-gehirn/
https://www.zukunftsessen.de/brainfood-die-richtigen-vitamine-kohlenhydrate-und-fette-fuer-dein-gehirn/
https://www.lgl.bayern.de/lebensmittel/technologien/funktionelle_lebensmittel/index.htm/
https://www.ndr.de/ratgeber/gesundheit/Brainfood-Lebensmittel-und-Rezepte-fuer-das-Gehirn,brainfood100.html