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Brain Food 101: The Ultimate Guide to Study Snacks for UK Students

granola bar stack

Introduction to Study Snacks and Their Benefits

Studying for exams and writing essays can be mentally exhausting. But did you know that the right study snacks can help boost your brainpower, brain health, productivity, and focus? In this guide, we will delve into the science behind brain-boosting foods and provide a list of delicious and nutritious options for students to try. 

From fresh fruit to dark chocolate, hopefully you’ll discover some more treats to deck your cupboard out with. 

The Science Behind Food and Brain Function

Our brains require a steady supply of nutrients to function optimally. Certain foods can improve cognitive function and memory by providing the essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients our brains need. Some of these brain-boosting nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins

By incorporating these foods into your study routine, you can enhance your mental performance and (hopefully) stay focused long enough to finish that assignment!

Healthy Snack Options for Improved Brain Function

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support brain health. Try including berries, oranges, apples, bananas, carrots, and bell peppers to your diet; these colourful and tasty snacks can be easily prepared and eaten while studying.

variety of vegetables

Berries are particularly beneficial for brain function, as they are rich in flavonoids; antioxidants that help protect the brain from oxidative stress. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that blueberries, in particular, can improve cognitive function and memory in older adults. 

Oranges, apples, and bananas are excellent sources of vitamin C, which has been shown to improve mental agility and protect against age-related cognitive decline. Carrots and bell peppers are high in vitamin A and carotenoids, which are important for brain development and function.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are a fantastic source of healthy fats, protein, and fibre, which provide the fuel your brain needs to function effectively. Walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds are particularly beneficial for cognitive function due to their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and zinc. These fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining brain health. 

seeds falling from jars onto table

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain health, building and maintaining brain cell membranes. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that walnuts, which are rich in these fatty acids, can improve cognitive function and memory in adults aged 20-90. 

Almonds are rich in vitamin E, which has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which is essential for memory and learning. So hopefully next Halloween you’ll remember to take the seeds out when carving your pumpkin!

Brain-Boosting Drinks

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining mental focus and cognitive function. In addition to water, University students should consider incorporating green tea and cocoa into their study routine.

tea and teapot

Green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which has been shown to improve concentration and alertness. Cocoa, on the other hand, is rich in flavonoids – antioxidants that promote blood flow to the brain and support memory and learning. 

Healthy Alternatives to Traditional Study Snacks

Popcorn

Swap out unhealthy crisps for air-popped popcorn. Popcorn is a whole grain, providing fibre and essential nutrients to keep your brain energised.

popcorn

Season with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, or get creative with spices and herbs for added flavour. Netflix, anyone?

Dark Chocolate

Craving something sweet? Reach for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or higher) instead of milk chocolate.

dark chocolate chopped and knife

Dark chocolate is also rich in flavonoids, which are known to boost cognitive function and reduce inflammation in the brain. Remember, you don’t need to overdo it! A small square of dark chocolate is all you need to reap the benefits. 

Tips for Incorporating Healthy Snacks into Your Study Routine

  1. Plan and Prep: To make it easier to grab something healthy when hunger strikes, prepare your study snacks ahead of time. Keep a variety of options on hand to avoid boredom and to provide a range of nutrients. 

  2. Mindful Eating: When snacking, take a break from studying to fully enjoy your food. This will not only help prevent overeating but also give your brain a chance to recharge.

  3. Stay Hydrated: Don't forget to drink water throughout the day. Dehydration can negatively affect concentration and cognitive function.

  4. Moderation: Enjoy your study snacks in moderation, focusing on portion sizes to ensure you're not overloading on calories. 

Go Supercharge your Brain!

Incorporating brain-boosting foods into your study routine can help enhance productivity, focus, and cognitive function. By choosing fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthier alternatives like popcorn and dark chocolate, you'll provide your brain with the nutrients it needs to perform at its best. Stay hydrated, practice mindful eating, and enjoy your study snacks in moderation to set yourself up for academic success.

Now you're equipped with the knowledge to fuel your brain and body for a successful study session. So go ahead, enjoy those tasty and nutritious snacks, and watch your brainpower soar!



granola bar stack

Introduction to Study Snacks and Their Benefits

Studying for exams and writing essays can be mentally exhausting. But did you know that the right study snacks can help boost your brainpower, brain health, productivity, and focus? In this guide, we will delve into the science behind brain-boosting foods and provide a list of delicious and nutritious options for students to try. 

From fresh fruit to dark chocolate, hopefully you’ll discover some more treats to deck your cupboard out with. 

The Science Behind Food and Brain Function

Our brains require a steady supply of nutrients to function optimally. Certain foods can improve cognitive function and memory by providing the essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients our brains need. Some of these brain-boosting nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins

By incorporating these foods into your study routine, you can enhance your mental performance and (hopefully) stay focused long enough to finish that assignment!

Healthy Snack Options for Improved Brain Function

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support brain health. Try including berries, oranges, apples, bananas, carrots, and bell peppers to your diet; these colourful and tasty snacks can be easily prepared and eaten while studying.

variety of vegetables

Berries are particularly beneficial for brain function, as they are rich in flavonoids; antioxidants that help protect the brain from oxidative stress. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that blueberries, in particular, can improve cognitive function and memory in older adults. 

Oranges, apples, and bananas are excellent sources of vitamin C, which has been shown to improve mental agility and protect against age-related cognitive decline. Carrots and bell peppers are high in vitamin A and carotenoids, which are important for brain development and function.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are a fantastic source of healthy fats, protein, and fibre, which provide the fuel your brain needs to function effectively. Walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds are particularly beneficial for cognitive function due to their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and zinc. These fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining brain health. 

seeds falling from jars onto table

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain health, building and maintaining brain cell membranes. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that walnuts, which are rich in these fatty acids, can improve cognitive function and memory in adults aged 20-90. 

Almonds are rich in vitamin E, which has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which is essential for memory and learning. So hopefully next Halloween you’ll remember to take the seeds out when carving your pumpkin!

Brain-Boosting Drinks

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining mental focus and cognitive function. In addition to water, University students should consider incorporating green tea and cocoa into their study routine.

tea and teapot

Green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which has been shown to improve concentration and alertness. Cocoa, on the other hand, is rich in flavonoids – antioxidants that promote blood flow to the brain and support memory and learning. 

Healthy Alternatives to Traditional Study Snacks

Popcorn

Swap out unhealthy crisps for air-popped popcorn. Popcorn is a whole grain, providing fibre and essential nutrients to keep your brain energised.

popcorn

Season with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, or get creative with spices and herbs for added flavour. Netflix, anyone?

Dark Chocolate

Craving something sweet? Reach for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or higher) instead of milk chocolate.

dark chocolate chopped and knife

Dark chocolate is also rich in flavonoids, which are known to boost cognitive function and reduce inflammation in the brain. Remember, you don’t need to overdo it! A small square of dark chocolate is all you need to reap the benefits. 

Tips for Incorporating Healthy Snacks into Your Study Routine

  1. Plan and Prep: To make it easier to grab something healthy when hunger strikes, prepare your study snacks ahead of time. Keep a variety of options on hand to avoid boredom and to provide a range of nutrients. 

  2. Mindful Eating: When snacking, take a break from studying to fully enjoy your food. This will not only help prevent overeating but also give your brain a chance to recharge.

  3. Stay Hydrated: Don't forget to drink water throughout the day. Dehydration can negatively affect concentration and cognitive function.

  4. Moderation: Enjoy your study snacks in moderation, focusing on portion sizes to ensure you're not overloading on calories. 

Go Supercharge your Brain!

Incorporating brain-boosting foods into your study routine can help enhance productivity, focus, and cognitive function. By choosing fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthier alternatives like popcorn and dark chocolate, you'll provide your brain with the nutrients it needs to perform at its best. Stay hydrated, practice mindful eating, and enjoy your study snacks in moderation to set yourself up for academic success.

Now you're equipped with the knowledge to fuel your brain and body for a successful study session. So go ahead, enjoy those tasty and nutritious snacks, and watch your brainpower soar!



granola bar stack

Introduction to Study Snacks and Their Benefits

Studying for exams and writing essays can be mentally exhausting. But did you know that the right study snacks can help boost your brainpower, brain health, productivity, and focus? In this guide, we will delve into the science behind brain-boosting foods and provide a list of delicious and nutritious options for students to try. 

From fresh fruit to dark chocolate, hopefully you’ll discover some more treats to deck your cupboard out with. 

The Science Behind Food and Brain Function

Our brains require a steady supply of nutrients to function optimally. Certain foods can improve cognitive function and memory by providing the essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients our brains need. Some of these brain-boosting nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins

By incorporating these foods into your study routine, you can enhance your mental performance and (hopefully) stay focused long enough to finish that assignment!

Healthy Snack Options for Improved Brain Function

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support brain health. Try including berries, oranges, apples, bananas, carrots, and bell peppers to your diet; these colourful and tasty snacks can be easily prepared and eaten while studying.

variety of vegetables

Berries are particularly beneficial for brain function, as they are rich in flavonoids; antioxidants that help protect the brain from oxidative stress. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that blueberries, in particular, can improve cognitive function and memory in older adults. 

Oranges, apples, and bananas are excellent sources of vitamin C, which has been shown to improve mental agility and protect against age-related cognitive decline. Carrots and bell peppers are high in vitamin A and carotenoids, which are important for brain development and function.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are a fantastic source of healthy fats, protein, and fibre, which provide the fuel your brain needs to function effectively. Walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds are particularly beneficial for cognitive function due to their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and zinc. These fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining brain health. 

seeds falling from jars onto table

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain health, building and maintaining brain cell membranes. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that walnuts, which are rich in these fatty acids, can improve cognitive function and memory in adults aged 20-90. 

Almonds are rich in vitamin E, which has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which is essential for memory and learning. So hopefully next Halloween you’ll remember to take the seeds out when carving your pumpkin!

Brain-Boosting Drinks

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining mental focus and cognitive function. In addition to water, University students should consider incorporating green tea and cocoa into their study routine.

tea and teapot

Green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which has been shown to improve concentration and alertness. Cocoa, on the other hand, is rich in flavonoids – antioxidants that promote blood flow to the brain and support memory and learning. 

Healthy Alternatives to Traditional Study Snacks

Popcorn

Swap out unhealthy crisps for air-popped popcorn. Popcorn is a whole grain, providing fibre and essential nutrients to keep your brain energised.

popcorn

Season with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, or get creative with spices and herbs for added flavour. Netflix, anyone?

Dark Chocolate

Craving something sweet? Reach for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or higher) instead of milk chocolate.

dark chocolate chopped and knife

Dark chocolate is also rich in flavonoids, which are known to boost cognitive function and reduce inflammation in the brain. Remember, you don’t need to overdo it! A small square of dark chocolate is all you need to reap the benefits. 

Tips for Incorporating Healthy Snacks into Your Study Routine

  1. Plan and Prep: To make it easier to grab something healthy when hunger strikes, prepare your study snacks ahead of time. Keep a variety of options on hand to avoid boredom and to provide a range of nutrients. 

  2. Mindful Eating: When snacking, take a break from studying to fully enjoy your food. This will not only help prevent overeating but also give your brain a chance to recharge.

  3. Stay Hydrated: Don't forget to drink water throughout the day. Dehydration can negatively affect concentration and cognitive function.

  4. Moderation: Enjoy your study snacks in moderation, focusing on portion sizes to ensure you're not overloading on calories. 

Go Supercharge your Brain!

Incorporating brain-boosting foods into your study routine can help enhance productivity, focus, and cognitive function. By choosing fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthier alternatives like popcorn and dark chocolate, you'll provide your brain with the nutrients it needs to perform at its best. Stay hydrated, practice mindful eating, and enjoy your study snacks in moderation to set yourself up for academic success.

Now you're equipped with the knowledge to fuel your brain and body for a successful study session. So go ahead, enjoy those tasty and nutritious snacks, and watch your brainpower soar!



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