brain food

Food for the brain is something I'll never forget as it was the subject of my thesis many moons ago.

Natalie posted a question here the other day, to ask me what the best brain food was during exam time.

Just like the rest of your body, your brain needs the right type of food and drink to work properly. So whether you're revising for exams or working extra hard, it's especially important to make sure that you get the right sort of nutrients and stay properly hydrated.

   

If there's one thing I'd tell you to do more of, it's to make sure you drink enough fluids (not including alcohol, of course). This is because water acts like a transport system in your body, delivering nutrients to the brain and getting rid of toxins.

If your brain isn't fully hydrated, then the system can't work properly and neither can you. Studies have shown that being properly hydrated helps with concentration and mental alertness. Which is always useful stuff.

Eating enough carbohydrates (carbs) is also very important for the brain. Carbs get broken down into glucose, which is the the brain's favourite type of fuel. If your glucose levels fluctuate too much then you may find that it difficult to concentrate.

Carbs also help enhance the absorption an amino acid called tryptophan which is converted into something called serotonin. Serotonin is the chemical that makes you feel calm, relaxed and happy all at the same time. So it's definitely worth stocking up on some.

As well as water and carbs, essential fats like omega-3 are brilliant for optimum brain performance. A lack of omega-3 can contribute to poor memory, depression and ADHD . You find omega-3 in oily fish like salmon, sardines, trout, tuna and herring. So a tuna sandwich on brown or wholemeal bread is perfect brain food.

 

Getting enough protein is also crucial as protein is essential in making the natural chemicals called neurotransitters (which are vital for the thinking process).

And you also need enough vitamins and minerals to fine tune the old grey matter to perfection. The B-vitamin complex helps to release energy from food whilst Vitamins A, C and E are all important anti-oxidants which may preserve memory.

That might all sound like quite a complicated mix but it's not if you eat a well balanced diet.

Exam wise, if your exams are in the morning, always always remember to have breakfast. A bowl of porridge with some linseeds and a glass of smoothie will get you through the tough questions without suffering from brain drain. And if you're in a rush or trying to cram in some last minute revision, our yoghurt, oats, raspberries and blueberries thickie are spot on for an on-the-go breakfast.

Hope that all helps.

Best of luck in your exams, Natalie.

And feel free to drop me a line about any nutritional questions you might have.

Bye for now,

Dr. Shilps

Food for the brain is something I'll never forget as it was the subject of my thesis many moons ago.

Natalie posted a question here the other day, to ask me what the best brain food was during exam time.

Just like the rest of your body, your brain needs the right type of food and drink to work properly. So whether you're revising for exams or working extra hard, it's especially important to make sure that you get the right sort of nutrients and stay properly hydrated.

   

If there's one thing I'd tell you to do more of, it's to make sure you drink enough fluids (not including alcohol, of course). This is because water acts like a transport system in your body, delivering nutrients to the brain and getting rid of toxins.

If your brain isn't fully hydrated, then the system can't work properly and neither can you. Studies have shown that being properly hydrated helps with concentration and mental alertness. Which is always useful stuff.

Eating enough carbohydrates (carbs) is also very important for the brain. Carbs get broken down into glucose, which is the the brain's favourite type of fuel. If your glucose levels fluctuate too much then you may find that it difficult to concentrate.

Carbs also help enhance the absorption an amino acid called tryptophan which is converted into something called serotonin. Serotonin is the chemical that makes you feel calm, relaxed and happy all at the same time. So it's definitely worth stocking up on some.

As well as water and carbs, essential fats like omega-3 are brilliant for optimum brain performance. A lack of omega-3 can contribute to poor memory, depression and ADHD . You find omega-3 in oily fish like salmon, sardines, trout, tuna and herring. So a tuna sandwich on brown or wholemeal bread is perfect brain food.

 

Getting enough protein is also crucial as protein is essential in making the natural chemicals called neurotransitters (which are vital for the thinking process).

And you also need enough vitamins and minerals to fine tune the old grey matter to perfection. The B-vitamin complex helps to release energy from food whilst Vitamins A, C and E are all important anti-oxidants which may preserve memory.

That might all sound like quite a complicated mix but it's not if you eat a well balanced diet.

Exam wise, if your exams are in the morning, always always remember to have breakfast. A bowl of porridge with some linseeds and a glass of smoothie will get you through the tough questions without suffering from brain drain. And if you're in a rush or trying to cram in some last minute revision, our yoghurt, oats, raspberries and blueberries thickie are spot on for an on-the-go breakfast.

Hope that all helps.

Best of luck in your exams, Natalie.

And feel free to drop me a line about any nutritional questions you might have.

Bye for now,

Dr. Shilps