{
  "id": 14081015,
  "title": "Doing end-of-year exams? 5 foods that are good for brain health – and what to avoid",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/doing-end-of-year-exams-5-foods-that-are-good-for-brain-health-and",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-13T00:43:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Conversation AU",
    "slug": "the-conversation-au",
    "url": "https://theconversation.com/doing-end-of-year-exams-5-foods-that-are-good-for-brain-health-and-what-to-avoid-293221"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Preparing for end-of-year exams requires more than just cramming knowledge – it also demands proper nutrition for optimal brain function. Here are five foods that can support your brain health during this period, along with some general tips for maintaining good study habits.\n\nFirstly, breakfast is crucial. Research shows that teenagers who regularly eat breakfast perform better academically than those who skip it. A balanced breakfast should include foods from various groups, such as scrambled eggs on wholegrain toast with avocado or yogurt with sliced banana and muesli. Snacks are also essential during long study sessions. Opt for small, healthy snacks like nuts, an apple, or rice crackers with hummus dip to keep hunger and mood in check.\n\nCertain foods have been shown to enhance brain function. Salmon, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can help stabilize mood and reduce anxiety. Spinach, packed with antioxidants and fibre, improves cognitive performance, especially in late teenage boys. Blueberries, containing polyphenols, boost memory and reaction times. Walnuts, high in alpha-linolenic acid, improve attention span. Lastly, eggs provide choline, which supports executive functioning and working memory.\n\nIn addition to these foods, good sleep, adequate physical protection, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are vital for brain health. While energy drinks and caffeine might seem tempting to stay awake, they don't replace the benefits of proper nutrition and sleep. Remember, good study habits complement good eating habits, helping your body and brain perform at their best during exams. Good luck!",
  "summary": "Your muscles need fuel during exercise, and during sustained mental effort your brain needs energy, too. What you eat, and when, can affect how you feel and perform.",
  "key_points": [
    "Breakfast crucial for academic performance in teenagers",
    "Salmon, spinach, blueberries, walnuts, and eggs boost brain health",
    "Sleep, physical protection, and avoiding harmful habits vital for brain health"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}