These five takeaways can boost brainpower at exam time, according to a top nutritionist
Firsts all round
Oily fish, unsalted nuts and piles of fruit – most of the traditional “brain foods” are either super spenny or take ages to cook, so probably aren’t going to be the answer during exam season.
Fortunately, all is not lost.
Ruth Tongue, a top nutritionist with a Masters from King’s, has found that certain takeaways can aid memory and focus, simultaneously cutting down meal prep time and helping revision efforts.
She’s partnered with Just Eat to create a selection of take-away meals that – as Moose famously said in Step Up 2: The Streets – are both delicious and nutritious.
Here are some of Ruth’s top recommendations:
Don’t waste precious minutes cooking today – order a delicious salmon teriyaki or satay king prawns on Just Eat instead here
Add omega-3 to your diet with a salmon teriyaki
Salmon is an oily fish packed full of the brain-friendly omega-3 fatty acids known as DHA, which plays an essential role in learning and memory. Studies have also shown that people with high levels of DHA are less likely to suffer from depression.
Add vitality with satay king prawns
Prawns are a great source of protein which produces the neurotransmitters that transmit information to the brain – essential for revision. This is complimented by the satay sauce rich in peanuts, which are high in the brain-boosting antioxidant Vitamin E, crucial for neuronal health.
Eat meals rich in turmeric like chicken tikka masala
Studies have found that turmeric, the key spice in chicken tikka masala, could help increase the growth of brain cells by as much as 80%.
Get a boost with Fiorentina pizza
Toppings on a Fiorentina pizza include folic acid-rich spinach and nutrient dense eggs. Keeping folic acid levels high with dark green, leafy veg such as spinach can help avoid mental sluggishness.
Bet on a chicken burrito (with extra guacamole)
The amino acids in chicken help produce serotonin which can improve learning, especially when the brain is under stress such as at exam time. Guacamole, made using the humble avocado, is packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, which can increase blood flow around the body, including the brain.
Going to be pulling an all-nighter and can’t be bothered to cook?
Order your chicken tikka masala or Fiorentina pizza on Just Eat now