Top nutritionist recommends the takeaways that can help boost student’s brain power.
EATING yourself smart rarely includes a trip to the chipper. But a top nutritionist is urging people to pick up fast food — as it can boost brainpower. Food expert Ruth Tongue, left, says a number of dishes can improve cognitive ability. She explained: “Late nights and stress can play havoc on concentration and focus when cramming for exams, so it’s important to eat regular meals for basic brain fuel. “A surprising amount of our favourite takeaway meals contain ingredients that can help boost brainpower and help aid learning at the same time.” She’s teamed up with Just Eat to reveal the fast food you’ll want to chow down on.
CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA
RUN down to your local Indian and grab a Chicken Tikka Masala — its key spice turmeric makes it a winner.
Turmeric is arguably one of the most powerful medicinal herbs around.
Studies have found that curcumin, a compound in the spice, can help grow brain cells by up to 80 per cent.
CHICKEN BURRITO WITH EXTRA GUACAMOLE
CHICKEN is a source of the amino acid tryptophan which helps to produce serotonin.
High serotonin levels can improve learning, particularly when the brain is stressed.
And guacamole is packed with healthy fats, which can increase blood flow around the body, including the brain.
SATAY KING PRAWNS
PRAWNS can help when you are revising for an exam as they a good protein source.
Protein is needed by the body to produce the neurotransmitters that transmit information to the brain.
And the satay sauce is made from peanuts, which are high in the brain-boosting antioxidant Vitamin E.
VEGETARIAN PIZZA
YOU might prefer a meat explosion from Domino’s — but make it vegetarian and you are on to a winner.
Toppings on a veg pizza can include folic acid-rich spinach, which helps avoid mental sluggishness.
Similarly, olives, capers and anchovies will help boost cognitive function.
EGG FRIED RICE
EVEN your local Chinese has an option your brain will love — a good egg fried rice.
Eggs are one of the best protein-rich foods for improving memory, thanks to its yolk which contains essential nutrient choline.
A study found that people who consume choline perform better in memory tests.
FALAFEL
YOU might think it’s a bit too hipster but falafel couldn’t be better for you.
The middle-eastern treat is made from chickpeas, which are loaded with protein and slow-release carbohydrates.
They are also high in magnesium, which speeds up the rate at which messages are transmitted to the brain.
