And the answer is…
The majority of us have had that moment during a test or exam when that fact or calculation that you studied – just last night! – vanishes from your memory. So, is there an answer to this problem? Yes, it’s FOOD!
There are certain foods that contain vitamins and/or flavonoids that will help put the answer back in that blank space in your mind.
Here are your healthy, budget-friendly, memory-boosting snacks to help you through exam time. Enjoy.
- Popcorn
Your favourite movie snack is packed with energy, which is needed for your body to perform daily physical and mental tasks. It helps boost your memory because it’s a low GI (glycaemic index) food; it takes longer to digest, meaning it supplies you with more energy for longer.
It’s a whole grain, which helps to improve your HDL (good) cholesterol as well as increasing blood flow to your brain.
Popcorn also contains vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), which is helps to make the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Many experts believe that this is the chemical that helps to maintain the balance of your mood.
The combination of its energy content, good cholesterol, increased blood flow to the brain and the production of serotonin is a memory-boosting winner. Now you have a medical reason to snack on popcorn at any time!
- Peanut power
Peanuts are rich in energy! They contain vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that protects your cells from becoming damaged due to excess metabolism of oxygen. This can be caused by stress, cigarette smoking and alcohol. Vitamin E also plays a role in the functioning of your immune system.
They also contain vitamin B3 (niacin) which – like vitamin B6 – has been proven to prevent memory deterioration.
- Blueberries
We’ve been told that we need to have two portions of fruit per day as part of a healthy diet – here’s why blueberries should be your fruit of choice:
- Blueberries are rich in vitamin B
- A study conducted at Reading University has found that it’s actually the colour of the berry, containing a flavonoid known as anthocyanins that helps to boost memory function.
Exam time is drawing closer, so make sure you stock up on these foods and remember to…oh, yes, we won’t have to remind you anymore! Good luck.
Sources
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/10-foods-boost-your-brainpower
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20434658,00.html#peanuts-and-peanut-butter-0
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/enhance-your-memory-with-these-10-brain-foods-beverages.htm
http://www.braintraining101.com/five-fun-foods-that-can-increase-your-brain-power/
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-peanuts.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/vitamin-b6/background/hrb-20058788