From oily fish to fruit superfoods, it’s a well known fact that the food we eat directly affects the performance of our brains. This week sees the launch of a new collection of brain food recipes, from learndirect, a leading provider of online learning for adults.

To help fuel learning, 14 tasty recipes and tips have been created in conjunction with top TV chef Danny Boome and leading nutritionist Fiona Hunter. Quick and affordable to make, the recipes were inspired by the increasing number of people who choose to take learndirect courses to fit in with their busy lives and work commitments, and want to maintain a healthy diet.

Fiona comments: “If you feed your brain the right nutrients, you will be able to think quicker, retain more information, be better coordinated and have improved concentration. You’ll also see an improvement in your memory and problem-solving abilities. With the right foods, we can also increase our motivation, and this is vital if you are taking a course or learning a new skill.

“With my nutritional expertise and Danny’s culinary skills, we’ve developed a series of seriously tasty brain food recipes, many of which can be eaten on the go, so you can give your brain a boost - whether you’re skilling-up at work, learning online at home, or on the go.”

Examples of some of the recipes:

1. Poached eggs with roasted tomatoes on wholemeal toast

Brain food: Eggs contain a high source of Omega 3 – essential for the brain to function. They are also rich in protein to help keep your mind alert. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and powerful antioxidants which are crucial for mental functioning.

2. Steak pitta with tomato and bean salad Brain food: Red meat is an excellent source of iron which can help fuel learning by helping to make sure the brain gets enough oxygen.

3. Bulgur wheat and roasted vegetables Brain food: Wholegrain carbohydrates like bulgur wheat and brown rice help stabilise blood sugar levels which aid concentration. Roasted vegetables like red peppers are a good source of vitamin C which help to protect the brain cells from ageing.

For further recipes and top brain food tips, log onto www.learndirect.co.uk/brainfood.

Top TV chef and talent behind the recipes, Danny Boome, knows only too well the importance of eating the right foods to stay motivated and alert.

Danny explains: “In Britain, we work longer hours than any other part of Europe, so it’s no surprise that we have little time to spend doing the things we enjoy, whether it’s a hobby, spending time with the family, or learning something new. Prior to training as a chef, I worked as a nanny, played professional ice hockey and even tried my hand at graphic design and marketing. I’ve always loved food and with a little dedication have now been lucky enough to fulfil my dream to make cooking my profession.

“What’s important is that we should never compromise our learning ability, which is why I’ve teamed up with learndirect to create a series of easy and accessible brain food recipes – each of which contain essential ingredients to help kick start the brain.”

Like cooking, learning doesn’t have to take up all your time. And because you can learn at your local centre, online at home or in the office, you can fulfil your potential at a time and pace that suits you.

If you're looking for more brain food inspiration, simply log onto www.learndirect.co.uk/brainfood.