Food for thought

PATNA: "Vitamins help examinees because it stimulates the brain, increases retention power and improves concentration," said Anushree Sinha, a
consultant dietician
and nutritionist of Patna.

According to a study carried out by the National Institute of Nutrition, Sinha said, good nutrition ensures smooth functioning of the nervous system, which gets strained during exams. The study also found that proper nutrition helps managing stress and maintain alertness during exams.

Unfortunately, dieticians point out, students under stress go for quick meals and junk diets for their nutrition needs. Many rely on caffeine either from coffee and cold drink to keep their energy level high during the crucial period of exams. Some of the students even resort to stimulant tablets.

"Neglecting nutrition during exams causes a negative impact on behaviour and learning capacity," said another dietician. Caffeine's effect is very short and taking too much caffeine leads to irritability and inability to concentrate. "This is ironical as these can aggravate one's mental inefficiencies," Sinha said, prescribing a high-fibre soluble diet for examinees.

EXAM DIET, as recommended by dieticians:

Breakfast: A bowl of oats (on waking up). One glass of health drink and one glass of pure juice, 5-8 almonds, 1 toast (whole wheat bread) and one egg.

Lunch: Two soya-wheat chapatis (1:1 proportion), sprouts, 1 cup of curd, 1 cup of vegetable, raw salad.

Tea: 1 cup health drink, 5-8 almonds and 8-10 raisins.

Dinner: Brown rice or 2 soya-wheat chapatis (1:1 proportion), dal or fish, vegetable and salad.

Source : Times of India