Brain food for revision
Tuesday 14 March 2006
Did you know that what you eat might be able to increase your brain power?
Thousands of you across the country are now probably poised over text books desperately trying to remember how to work out the area of a circle or the French phrase for double hotel room. It’s enough to send even the biggest minds into a state of panic
But if it’s all starting to get on top of you, n2k has a few tips for you all on how you can use different types of food to keep your brains in perfect working order.
Fish are your friends
We all know that a healthy diet helps us with our physical condition, but did you know it can help you mentally as well? Eating two portions of oily fish, like tuna, mackerel and salmon every week is vital for your brain to function properly because they’re high in essential omega-3 acids.
A regular portion of fish in your diet has been proven to increase levels of concentration and intelligence – perfect for exam time.
Rise and shine
Although it’s tempting to spend an extra few minutes in bed before that maths exam, making yourself get up and eat breakfast is one of the best things you can do to give your brain a boost.
Cereals that are high in vitamin B do the trick, but best of all, a good bacon sarnie can improve your performance throughout the day because it’s high in protein – but go easy on the ketchup!
Increase your iron
If you’re not getting enough iron then you’ll damage your ability to concentrate for long periods of time and your energy levels will begin to drop. If hour long sessions of revision are proving too much, try eating more red meat, eggs and leafy green vegetables like spinach.
Your study time should then feel a lot more productive and you’ll be less likely to fall asleep in your actual exam when you’re planning that mammoth Shakespeare essay.
An apple a day
Five portions of fruit and veg a day as part of a good diet is important for lots of reasons. It can reduce the risk of heart attacks and developing cancer, and can help maintain a healthy weight. But if you’re studying at the moment, the best news is that it stops your brain cells getting damaged, meaning you can remember more of those complicated science formulas.
If you’re finding this hard, try substituting your fizzy lunchtime drink with a glass of orange juice or replacing crisps with bananas or apples. As well as being much healthier, this will make it much easier to increase the amount of fruit you eat.
Calm your nerves
Finally, if pre-exam nerves are stopping you sleeping the night before the big day, try and introduce lighter foods like warm milk, turkey or lettuce to your evening meal. As well as stopping you getting so nervous, foods like this helps your body wind down in the evening and will stop you worrying about the next day’s question paper.
Exam time can be an incredibly stressful period, but if you’re finding yourself getting worked up and stressed, a few changes in your diet may make you feel a lot more relaxed and confident about the trials ahead. Good luck!
