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Facing a long night of studying? Take a little time and consider how what you eat affects your productivity. Don’t use cramming for an exam as an excuse for binging on all sorts of less-than-nutritionally-optimal foods. Treats are fine – we all deserve them. However, when your performance on a test or paper depends upon your mental acuity, reconsider the bags of M&Ms and bottles of iced coffee.
Best Brain Foods for Students
You’ve heard it before – always eat a healthy diet, eat breakfast and drink lots of water. However, the real world is chock a block with time limitations, budgets and an abundance of easily available processed foods. Many studies on “brain foods” address how nutrition can stave off dementia. Chances are, however, you are young and not too concerned with all that yet. Fear not: plenty of great foods repeatedly show up on brainpower food lists.
Your Brain Needs Protein!
Your body needs protein as well. Putting aside concerns about dietary cholesterol for a few moments, consider that an egg is a superb protein source. Don’t just use the whites – eat the yolk, which, according to , has loads of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that helps both memory and mood.
Drink WATER
Your body needs hydration constantly. Sodas, iced coffee and other liquids may provide some of the liquids you need, but they also contain other stuff that could slow you down. , a Chiropractic doctor, suggests drinking at least a half a liter of water per hour since dehydration may make you feel tired and impair your ability to focus. She suggests keeping the water chilled and adding a little fresh orange into it since citrus oils may decrease anxiety and boost your mood and alertness.
Enjoy COFFEE — Judiciously
Yes, coffee may just be good for your studies. It contains a fair amount of caffeine, enough of a stimulant to perk up your brain’s sharpness. For long-term health, coffee also has loads of antioxidants that keep out brains working better for longer periods. The even refers to studies indicating that drinking coffee may help prevent depression in women. Just keep moderation in mind – too much coffee and you may lose your ability to concentrate.
Who would’ve thunk it? Chocolate makes the list of great study foods. According to , dark chocolate boosts serotonin and endorphin levels. This results in better concentration. Just don’t binge on it: notes, “Experts say one square of dark chocolate during the afternoon slump should be sufficient.”
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