Improve learning by eating Super foods

Berries

Berries are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Not only are berries rich in antioxidants, they also contain vitamins such as vitamin C and E, beta-carotene, biotin, folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium.

Various berries have various benefits. For example, strawberries are good for rejuvenating the skin, which can be helpful when you have a breakout of pimples due to the stress of studying. Raspberries stimulate blood circulation, which speeds up the metabolism, which in turn helps burn body fat more quickly. Cranberry juice is very alkaline which is good because it can help bring balance to a body that is overly acidic in addition to this, it can also reduce problems such as heartburn and indigestion. It is also very good for urinary tract infections that can be aggravated by stress. Gogi berries, which contain more vitamin C than oranges and more beta carotene than carrots, have been shown to positively affect the body by improving blood circulation, strengthening limbs, improving eyesight, protecting the liver, increasing libido and boosting immune functions.

I know that including all these types of Super Foods into a diet can be daunting. Often you don’t know when to eat them or how much to take in. Personally, I include berries into my breakfast meal. I usually have a bowl of fresh fruit with low fat yoghurt and a sprinkle of muesli. I often alternate the types of berries so that I don’t become bored with what I’m eating in the mornings. I have found that I have more energy and have lessened my craving for snacks such as chocolates and muffins. If I am really craving sugar I make myself a mixed berry smoothie which replaces the snack and makes a health alternative to sugary drinks like Red Bull.

Omega 3

I remember a few years ago, sitting in a lecture where the professor was discussing the start of their longitudinal study into the effects of omega 3 fatty acids on the concentration of students. I was very intrigued as I just started to take my interests in homeopathy a bit more seriously. I guess it was the right timing because at that time, the concept and potential health benefits of omega 3 exploded onto the health food radar and the possible positive effects it could have for students were not yet fully tested. While I never found out the results of my professor’s study, the positive health benefits of omega 3 have become almost uncontested.

Omega 3 has many health benefits. These include strengthening of the cardio vascular system, it aids in the control of cholesterol levels, it can improve digestion and increase the body’s ability to burn fat. More pertinent to this blog, omega 3 increases concentration, which by extension is important for students wishing to make the most of their language learning experience.

When I was at university I would take two capsules of omega 3 every day and about four weeks before exams I would double the dosage and decrease the amount again after my exams were finished. While busy with my thesis, I took a steady dose of three a day.

In general, I found that not only did my concentration improve, but taking omega 3 also had a positive effect on my skin and my mood. I have to admit one thing though, it did take about a month before I started feeling the benefits of omega 3 when I first started taking it. That said, it’s quite natural for some vitamin and minerals to take a while to take effect. My suggestion is to start as soon as you can.

Keep in mind that if you do not like taking capsules, there are other ways to include to omega 3 into your diet.

Quinoa

Studying can use up a surprising amount of energy. I am not sure if I was the only student, but I often found that after a few hours of studying I was not only tired but ravenously hungry. To be honest, I used to rely on energy bars and drinks to see me through the day. A close friend of my from Argentina suggested that I try making a quinoa salad. I had no idea what quinoa was and what the health benefits were.

I found out that it is a type of grain that is slow releasing in energy ( a good carbohydrate). Meaning quinoa provides a more even distribution of energy than some energy bars which gives you quick burst of energy.  Not only that I found out that it contained vitamins such as vitamin B3, B5, B6 in addition to calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, fibre, lysine and protein.  Moreover, it has all eight amino acids and has more calcium than milk. As such, it aids the body to regulate blood sugar, mood swings and can lessen cravings.