Smart Foods Process Food combination and Mental Performance Mental performance or relaxation can be controlled by choosing the right combination of foods. L-tryptophan is used by the brain to make the neurotransmitter serotonin , which is responsible for slowing down reaction time, imparting satiety after a meal and inducing sleep. But if L-tryptophan reaches the brain first, it will stimulate the production of serotonin, and your mental performance will ebb and your brain will begin to shut down, even in the middle of the day. Glucose and Carbohydrates Even though carbohydrates help relax the brain, they are necessary for maximum mental performance. If consumption is properly timed, carbohydrate-rich foods, such as pasta, bread, legumes, cereals, grains, fruits, and vegetables, can boost the brain's energy levels.
Carbohydrates enhance mental performance because the brain thrives on glucose.
It supplies your brain with the most basic type of energy it needs to think, remember, solve problems, and control the rest of the body. Foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, brown rice, unrefined cereals and flours, and vegetables and fruits, provide your brain with a steady supply of glucose. Just as with protein, when you eat carbohydrates is critical to how your brain will respond. Timing is everything. To renew mental energy for the afternoon, have a salad with low-fat dressing, shrimp cocktail, or chicken breast and fresh fruit for dessert.