A large part of the CPA exam is memory based. Are there any foods that would help with your memory? According to some nutritionists, some “brain foods” could help you remember more.
There was a study published in the journal Neurology, that tracked diet and subjective cognitive function of 27,842 male health professionals (dentists, optometrists, pharmacists, podiatrists and veterinarians) for 18 to 22 years.
According to a synopsis of the article, here are the three top brain foods:
- Leafy greens. Include these nutrient powerhouses – e.g., spinach, kale, Swiss chard, collards, rapini, arugula – in your diet at least six times a week. Besides eating salad, add leafy greens to soup, chili, pasta sauce and smoothies.
2. Berries. Eat berries – e.g., blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries – at least twice a week. Other polyphenol-packed fruits include acai berries, cherries, cranberries and pomegranate seeds. Blend berries into smoothies and protein shakes, toss them into leafy green salads and add them to oatmeal, pilafs and muffin and pancake batters.
3. Nuts. Eating nuts (all types) helps lower elevated blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol and guards against Type 2 diabetes, risk factors for memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. They’re also good sources of vitamin E, an antioxidant nutrient linked to a slower rate of cognitive decline. Include a small handful (one-quarter cup) in your diet at least five times per week.
Now what are the foods that you should avoid? According to a recent Harvard article, refined sugar is detrimental to your brain functioning.
“Diets high in refined sugars, for example, are harmful to the brain. In addition to worsening your body’s regulation of insulin, they also promote inflammation and oxidative stress. Multiple studies have found a correlation between a diet high in refined sugars and impaired brain function — and even a worsening of symptoms of mood disorders, such as depression.”
I find that CPA students have a tendency to eat more refined sugar while studying partly out of boredom and partly as a way to reward themselves for the discipline exerted. Usually on exam day, you see students with a jug of an energy drink or an extra large coffee. In reality, a pack of nuts would probably be more effective.
Your diet is an important element of your CPA study plan. I find the easiest way to improve your diet during a study period is to create vegetable smoothies. This is the way to get your leafy greens and your nuts.
The recipe that I recommend is:
Cup of Spinach
1 Carrot
Half Avocado
Half a Banana
Cup of Blueberries
Hemp Seeds
One healthy smoothie can give you some of the healthy brain foods that you need for those all night study sessions.