Eating to succeed

The days when students prepared for an exam by smoking, drinking and sleeping seem to be long gone.

The supermarket Tesco has reported that sales of "brain foods" such as fish and green vegetables have soared in towns with large universities and colleges as students try anything to ensure they are on top of their game.

ArmMedia asked Dr Wendy Doyle, of the British Dietetic Association, whether it really is possible to eat to succeed.

Fish:

According to the survey, sales of tuna, cod, plaice and mackerel have all soared.

Dr Doyle concedes that there may be some truth in this idea.

Many fish contain omega-3 fatty acids which are known to play a role in keeping the connections between brain cells sharp.

Unfortunately, however, this isn't an effect you can achieve by wolfing down a couple of fish suppers in the weeks leading up to an exam.

To achieve real results the key is to start early: two or three months before conception should do the trick.

"I'm not sure there is any evidence of any immediate effect on memory or mood from eating omega-3 fatty acids," said Dr Doyle.

"But they are good for the developing brain of the fetus, and during the first year of life.

"It would be best for mothers to start eating fish before they intended to get pregnant."

Green vegetables:

Broccoli, asparagus, and spinach were also popular among students looking to boost their brain power in the kitchen.

Again, there is some evidence to suggest that these products are good for the brain, mainly because they contain anti-oxidants which help to maintain a healthy blood supply to the grey matter.

However, Dr Doyle warned that they were no quick fix.

"You would have to be eating them for some time as part of a healthy diet to notice any effect," she said.

Peanut butter:

Strangely, this made the Tesco list alongside some of the more predictable candidates.

Unfortunately, it was rated as a complete no-no by Dr Doyle.

"Peanut butter contains mono-unsaturated fats. I can't see any reason why they should provide any assistance whatsoever to our brain."

Full English breakfast:

Some people believe that you can't get a better start to the day that good old fashioned fry up complete with bacon, eggs, sausages and beans.

Dr Doyle is not one of them. "A full English breakfast is not going to make you more alert," she said. "In fact, it is likely to make you feel rather sluggish."