Health

 SCARED OF VET. WORKLOAD? ENERGIZE YOUR BRAIN WITH THIS...

Examination preparations require proper planning and adequate time management. Amongst the proper planning is what you put into your mouth, are they something that will make you or mar you? There are certain kinds of foods that increase alertness, memory retention, energy level and general wellbeing. It is therefore incumbent on students preparing for exams to know some kinds of foods that will serve them with the aforementioned attributes which will subsequently aid easy and less tasking study. Eating these foods will prepare brain for understanding, cramming, comprehending, and memorizing during preparation for exams.

WATER: 

Water helps to deliver nutrients to brain and also gives brain the electrical energy that would allow it to perform its functions optimally. Majority of the brain (aprox. 80%) is made up of water. Water is an essential nutrient that brain depends on to maintain normal function. Brain, no doubt, a great tool for studying is important to be energized so as to perform excellently which will subsequently promote educational goal and help in academic performance. It is significant you take a lot of water, in fact get a bottle beside your reading desk today and always stay hydrated. 

Dehydration can disrupt the recall of long term memory and impair short term memory function, it also causes loss of strength and stamina. So always reverse dehydration by taking enough fluid so as to be productive in your study.

LESS SUGARY FOOD:

Sugary foods surround students than any other things, most of the foods in our vicinity like candy, cakes, doughnut, ice cream and some other baked foods are sugary and these foods because of their high sugar contents affect brain which as a result reduce memory capability. The consequence of taking excessive sugar is that it leads to temporary rush of energy which quickly followed by crashing blood sugar levels causing fatigue among other things (info.ise.ac.uK). In addition, sugary food is addictive and harmful. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to memory deficiencies, sugar addiction and overall health deficiencies (Texas institute. Com). You are advised to watch your sugar intake especially during exam as it affects brain and the body as a whole.

HEALTHY SNACKING:

The kind of snack you take before and while studying affect brain function and mental performance. Just like sugary food, sugary snacks should be avoided. Sugary snacks like biscuit, cake, puff puff etc are detrimental to brain health if consumed excessively. However, research shows that chocolate and cocoa products are good snack for your brain. According to health line.com chocolate and cocoa products are loaded with flavoid compounds, consuming cocoa product may help increase blood flow to your brain and improve your memory and reaction time. In addition to that, nuts (peanuts, cashew nuts etc) are also good snacks to take before or during reading.

HEALTHY DRINKS/BEVERAGES: 

Carbonated drinks which are widely taken by students nowadays have negative consequences on overall health. These drinks not only provide a refreshing and pleasurable taste but they also come with significant liability. High consumption of soft drinks can cause depression, stress related problem, psychological distress and mental health condition. Research has shown that there is a positive association between consumption of soft drinks and mental health problem. Fruit juice is an alternative drink that will not only rejuvenate the body system but also improve mental performance. Health line.com has stated that citrus fruit intake may help boost mental performance and improve overall brain function. Next time, ask for fruit juice instead of carbonated drinks while going to library or reading room.

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES:

Fruit is seen as local and traditional food. Less percentage of students take fruit these days, however, its health benefit can never be overemphasized, berries (blue berries, straw berries, black berries), citrus (orange fruit, grape fruit), Avocados, water melon, cucumber etc are common fruits around us with immeasurable benefit to brain health, so are the vegetables. Share care.com ascertain the fact that eating a lot fruits and vegetables helps keep a good supply of antioxidants available to neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, protect cells and support a healthy brain. When last did you take fruits? Do take fruits, they are good for your body and your brain health.

EGG AND FISH:

Egg and fish are great source of protein the body needs. Egg is found to have 9 essential amino acids. Fish e.g salmon contains vitamin B complex, Vitamin D, magnesium and selenium. Fish is also rich in omega-3- fatty acids which are linked with many health benefit. Fatty fish is a rich source of omega-3-fatty acids, a major building blocks of the brain. Omega-3-fatty acids play a role in sharpening memory and improving mood as well as protecting your brain against decline.' 'Eggs are also rich source of several vitamins and choline which are important for proper brain function and development as well as regulating mood.' 

Staying healthy will promote academic performance and help you attain your academic goal. Always watch your health, eat well (not quantity but quality), sleep well and exercise well. Prepare your brain for bulky workload ahead of you by taking adequate nutrition always. Never compromise your health with anything. Stay healthy, wish you success in your Exams.