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What should students eat to help them perform better in exams?

9 May 2018

Students around the country are feeling the pressure of long days and late nights of study.

Under these circumstances, it’s tempting to eat comfort food and sugary snacks, but speaking on the Kitchen Café, nutritionist Dr Laura Wyness advised that students should think carefully about their diet.

“When you’re under stress, some of your nutrient stores are depleted more rapidly so it’s even more important that you get a healthy, varied diet so you get all the nutrients that you need.”

Food Reason
Wholegrain cereals They contain complex carbohydrates which give a slow release of energy.
Fruit and vegetables They provide lots of different minerals.The brain needs to receive a wide range of nutrients.
Oily fish, such as salmon, trout, tuna and mackerel These are key for providing omega-3 fatty acids.
Bananas, oats and milky drinks Contains tryptophan an amino acid that helps calm you down.
Water Keeping hydrated will help memory and attention.

And don鈥檛 forget the snacks!

Healthy snacking is simply a matter of preparation. Dr Wyness recommends having some of the following close at hand:-

  • plain yoghurt
  • oatcakes and cheese
  • sliced apple and nut butter
  • mashed avocado with cottage cheese

Exam advice

  • Stress can disturb our body clock and hormones.

  • Experts offer their tips on what parents can do to help in the coming weeks.

  • Don't let The Fear, The Fog, or The Cram get to you...

  • Psychologists in the US warn many favourite revision techniques will not lead to exam success.

The Kitchen Caf茅

  • Brain Food

    Chef Neil Forbes and nutritionist Dr Laura Wyness with practical advice for students on how to keep their brains and bodies firing on all cylinders during their exams.

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