A great game of Mahjong is a thrilling mental marathon. It’s a complex and dynamic contest that requires your brain to be firing on all cylinders. You are constantly calculating probabilities, recognizing patterns, remembering discarded tiles, and adapting your strategy on the fly. It is a fantastic and deeply engaging workout for your mind.
But to keep your mind sharp and your strategy on point through a long and competitive game, you need to provide your brain with the right fuel. Just as a physical athlete thinks about their pre-game meal, a mental athlete should think about their pre-game snacks. Whether you’re getting ready for a weekly game with friends or a competitive session to play Mahjong online, the right brain foods can make a real difference in your focus and your memory.
To give yourself a cognitive edge at the table, here are seven brain-boosting foods to snack on during your next game.
1. Blueberries
Often called “brain berries,” these little blue powerhouses are packed with antioxidants, particularly a group called flavonoids. These compounds have been shown to help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, which can improve communication between brain cells. Some studies suggest that a diet rich in blueberries can help to improve memory and delay age-related cognitive decline. A small bowl of fresh blueberries is a perfect, easy-to-eat game night snack.
2. Walnuts and Almonds
Your brain is the fattiest organ in your body, and it needs a steady supply of healthy fats to function at its best. Walnuts and almonds are a fantastic source of a specific type of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Your body uses ALA to create the omega-3s that are the fundamental building blocks of your brain cells. A diet rich in these healthy fats is crucial for long-term brain health.
3. Dark Chocolate
Here’s a delicious way to boost your focus. Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) is loaded with flavonoids, caffeine, and antioxidants. The flavonoids in chocolate gather in the areas of the brain that deal with learning and memory. Researchers believe these compounds may enhance memory and also help slow down age-related mental decline. The small amount of caffeine also provides a gentle boost in alertness and focus, which is perfect for a long game.
4. Green Tea
If you need a little pick-me-up during a game, consider swapping your coffee for a cup of green tea. Green tea contains two powerful brain-boosting compounds: caffeine and L-theanine. L-theanine is an amino acid that has a calming effect and can counteract the jittery side effects of caffeine. The combination of these two creates a state of “calm alertness,” which is the absolute perfect mindset for a game that requires both intense focus and a great deal of patience.
5. Broccoli and Other Leafy Greens
Your mom was right: you should eat your broccoli. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, along with other leafy greens like kale and spinach, are packed with a host of powerful, brain-friendly nutrients. They are a great source of Vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for forming sphingolipids, a type of fat that’s densely packed into brain cells. A diet rich in these vegetables is strongly linked to better cognitive health.
6. Oranges
A single, simple orange can provide almost all of the Vitamin C you need in a day, and this is a key nutrient for preventing mental decline. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to fight off the free radicals that can damage brain cells. It also supports brain health as you age. Other great sources of Vitamin C include bell peppers, strawberries, and kiwis.
7. Fatty Fish
When people talk about the ultimate brain food, fatty fish is always at the top of the list. Fish like salmon, trout, and sardines are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health. About 60% of your brain is made of fat, and half of that fat is the omega-3 type. Your brain uses these omega-3s to build brain and nerve cells, and these fats are essential for learning and memory. While you might not be serving a full salmon dinner during your game, a simple plate of smoked salmon on whole-grain crackers is an elegant and incredibly brain-healthy snack.
A game of Mahjong is a fantastic workout for your mind. By fueling your brain with these powerful and delicious foods, you can not only support your long-term cognitive health but also give yourself a sharp and focused edge to help you win your next game.