Scientist Kulikov advised eating dried fruits and marshmallows during periods of intense work.

“Many people believe that in order to perk up well, enhance brain activity and concentration, it is enough to drink a cup of strong coffee, tea or energy drink, but caffeine has many side effects. Foods that help improve alertness and make the brain work better should contain glucose, fatty acids, amino acids and antioxidants. They activate chemicals in the brain that increase its energy,” explained RT’s interlocutor.

He recalled that sugar is the main “fuel” of the brain.

“Without it, it will not be able to perform its functions (learning, thinking, neural processing, memory). Omega-3 are fatty acids necessary for normal brain function and memory development,” the specialist added.

Free radicals damage nerve cells, so the brain needs antioxidants, he said.

“They are great for maintaining cognitive ability into adulthood. Some vegetables, berries and fruits contain antioxidants in large quantities - cranberries, chokeberries, cabbage, spinach, blueberries, dark plums, grapes. If you need to concentrate as much as possible and increase your attention (for example, when preparing for a report or presentation), then it is useful to include food products with a balanced composition for brain strength and energy in the menu,” the expert explained.

The diet should include sea fish and green beans, as they contain zinc, which helps improve memory, Kulikov noted.

“Iron-rich dried fruits, green vegetables and low-fat meat will improve concentration. Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits, cabbage and tomatoes, will help combat stress. Calcium, which dairy products are rich in, will ensure the normal functioning of the nervous system. But we must remember, the less the product is subjected to heat treatment, the more vitamins and beneficial nutrients it contains,” the expert said.

For healthy snacks, fruit bars (but not cereal bars, especially those with puffed rice), nuts and dried fruits have worked well, he explained.

“It’s better to eat mostly natural sweets - dried fruits, marmalade, marshmallows, churchkhela, honey and products based on it,” concluded Kulikov.

Earlier, as RT learned, specialists from the Russian Biotechnological University developed a new type of cereal bar based on rice treated with hot steam under high pressure, chicory syrup, sesame seeds and freeze-dried raspberries.