Food for Thought

Many times, students on campus eat poorly and as a result, their academic performance is compromised. Being the hard working students we are, I thought it was appropriate to provide you with some information to boost our moods and keep our grades up!


Foods that Improve Memory
Omega 3 Fatty Acids : Parts of the brain require fat to carry out important cellular functions.  Omega 3 fatty acids are healthy fats that should be consumed several times a week.  Foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids include salmon, flaxseed, walnuts, cauliflower, cabbage, tuna, soybeans, and broccoli.


Antioxidants: Antioxidants fight against free radicals.  Free radicals are atoms formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules, and can have a damaging effect on cells.  Antioxidants work safely to neutralize these free radicals found throughout the body.  To fight those free radicals, feed yourself some blueberries, strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, carrots, peanut butter and winter squashes to name a few.


Improve Concentration
Eat Breakfast : Your brain needs glucose (sugar in the blood), the major energy source in the body in order to function properly.  When you wake up in the morning, it is likely that you have not eaten in a good six or seven hours.  This means that the body does not have glucose (energy) readily available to be used.  As a result, you tap into your stored energy. This is a less efficient way of fueling the body than if you were to eat breakfast and convert the food you eat into glucose.  Eventually, the stored energy will be used up, and your brain will be functioning at a very low level. Not to mention, you'll be hungry! Good breakfast foods: Whole grains, high fiber, dairy, protein, and fruit.


Foods that Boost your Mood
The key to a good mood is sustaining stable blood sugar levels.  By doing so, try to eat about every 4 to 5 hours.  Of course, everyone is different, and it may be necessary to eat before then.  To stabilize and maintain blood sugar levels, try to limit refined carbohydrates.  This means avoiding cookies, crackers, chips, white rice, white bread, etc.  These foods will cause a rapid rise in blood sugar, and then a crash 1 to 2 hours later.  Strive to eat high quality carbohydrates like fruits, veggies, and whole grains.  Soluble fiber works to slow carbohydrate absorption in the bloodstream, which will keep you more even tempered.  Foods high in soluble fiber include sweet potatoes, strawberries, apples, pears, and lentils.  In addition, protein works with quality carbs and soluble fiber to prolong stable blood sugar.