Brain Food 101: Eat Smart, Stress Less, and Ace Your Exams!

As exam season approaches, students often experience heightened stress levels, which can significantly impact their eating habits. Skipping meals, late-night snacking, and mindless consumption of unhealthy foods are common tendencies during this period. However, the food we eat directly influences brain function, concentration, and overall well-being.

Experts emphasise the importance of mindful eating to enhance academic performance and manage exam-related stress effectively.

Dr Narendra K Shetty, Chief Wellness Officer at Kshemavana, highlights the role of mindful eating in boosting cognitive abilities. He points out that stress can lead to poor eating habits, such as rushing through meals, improper chewing, and reliance on processed or sugary foods. These habits not only hinder digestion but also reduce the brain’s ability to absorb essential nutrients.

To maintain optimal brain function, students should focus on consuming nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, and fruits. Proper hydration is equally important in sustaining concentration and memory retention. Planning meals ahead of time ensures a steady supply of energy and prevents dietary mistakes that could negatively impact performance. Dr Shetty says that “Good food, good mood” is more than just a saying—it is a fundamental principle for success during exams.

Nidhi Nahata, Founder of Justbe by Nidhi Nahata and a certified lifestyle coach, draws an analogy between the human body and a high-performance race car. Just as the wrong fuel can impair a car’s function, unhealthy food choices can cloud the mind, leading to stress and poor concentration. Pre-packaged and processed foods, which are often loaded with artificial additives, disrupt cognitive function and contribute to mood swings, stress, and fatigue.

Nahata further explains that animal products, including dairy and meat, may contain artificial hormones that can impact the nervous system. Instead, she advocates for whole, plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes, which provide essential nutrients for brain function. Hydrating with coconut water and fresh juices helps maintain energy levels and mental clarity.

Being mindful about food choices during exams can significantly improve performance and well-being. By avoiding highly processed foods and instead consuming fresh, nutrient-dense meals, students can ensure better focus, retention, and a calmer state of mind.

The choice is clear: eat mindfully, think clearly, and perform effortlessly. As Nahata aptly puts it, “Your food is shaping your thoughts.”

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Mental Health, Health and around the world.