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  |  What's cooking?  |  Healthy eating   |  Feed your mind
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Feed your mind

by Terry Farris
continued from page 1
Fruit and herbs
Fresh fruit not only contains many of the substances and vitamins needed for healthy brain function, it also releases natural sugars slowly into the body and gives a sustained effect of mental and physical energy, unlike the 'quick fixes' of processed sweets and drinks.

Herbs, of course, have been used for centuries, not only for flavour in cooking but as natural remedies too. Try ginger to lift the spirits, cinnamon to counteract exhaustion, camomile (usually drunk as tea) to help with nervous tension, while peppermint can be taken to help calm nerves and relieve anger. Basil is thought to clarify the mind, so try a large batch of pesto stirred through pasta to get your mind ready for some serious revision.

Healthy eating tips in the run-up to exams

  • Eat 'brain food' as described above at regular meal times (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and eat healthy snacks between meals to sustain mental and physical energy.
  • Don't fall into the 'sugar trap' by reaching for the chocolate bar or can of fizzy drink. After the initial boost in energy, you'll feel even more tired and anxious. Eat a handful of dried fruit and nuts instead.
  • Avoid too many stimulants like tea, coffee and so-called 'high energy' drinks as well as over-processed foods like crisps and biscuits.
  • Avoid too much red meat, at least in the days leading up to exams. Though rich in valuable iron, zinc and protein, your body must work harder to process it, putting a drain on digestive energies. Other sources can supply you with these nutrients.
  • Eat lots of raw foods in the form of fruit and vegetables. They're easier to digest and are full of vitamins and minerals.
  • Go to bed early with a cup of camomile tea the night before your exam. Staying up all night to revise will leave you exhausted for the big day ahead.


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    Created: 02/06/2004  Updated: 16/02/2007
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