Food for thought

It’s exam time & here’s how to give the brain a boost!

It’s time of the year when bumping into nervous children is inevitable. Parents and their stressed out child’s only concern is how to stay awake all hours cramming up for the exam. Healthy food isn’t the priority! Badaam Halwa and laddoos,endless coffee and tea cups,chips and fried mathries are the hot stay-awake snack items. On the contrary what matters the most is the type of food we feed our young owls during their exams that can help boost their brain functioning. A well-balanced diet is ideal for the brain as it helps in improving concentration and helps the brain grow useful cells. Some of the most useful foods and liquids are easily available without even having to prepare them. Water promotes mental alertness and refreshes the brain. The popular caffeinated beverages stimulate more stress. Fruit contains antioxidants that neutralize free radicals which can damage the brain cells. The best fruits to look out for are the ones high in Vitamin C,beta-carotene and Vitamin E. The more colourful the fruit the better it is for the brain. Herbs such as sage and rosemary help alleviate mental fatigue,nuts and seeds and eggs provide lasting energy and ample of nutrients. Fish rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids improves blood circulation and boosts brain power with better concentration,memory and alertness. The worst foods are processed,high-carb foods including breads,cakes,pies and foods saturated with sugar,salt,chemical colourants and preservatives. They ‘fog’ the thinking process by hampering the release of chemicals needed for an alert brain. If you combine these “brain foods” with regular exercise,study breaks and a good night sleep,you will have boosted your brainpower in no time. Good luck for your exams!

Nut and Seed Biscotti
Ingredients
* 1 1/3 cups whole wheat flour
* 2 cups mixed nuts and seeds scant 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 2 large eggs
* 2/3 cup natural cane sugar,fine grain
* 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Method :Preheat oven to 300F degrees with the rack in the middle. Lightly butter or oil a loaf pan and line with parchment paper. Combine the flour,nuts and salt in a medium bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl whisk together eggs and sugar. Combine the flour-nut mixture to the egg mixture and stir well. The dough will be quite thick. Press the dough into the loaf pan using damp fingertips. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Remove loaf from the oven,and turn the oven up to 425F. Immediately run a sharp knife around the loaf,remove it from pan,and set the loaf upside down on a cutting board. Using a thin serrated knife and slice the loaf into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place the slices on a baking sheet. Brush tops with a bit of olive oil and bake for 3-4 minutes or until the bottoms are golden and toasty. Pull them out of the oven,flip each one,and brush the other side with olive oil. Bake for another 4-5 minutes or until nice and crisp. Let cool.

(The writer is a city-based food and diet consultant who can be contacted at adda.mehrotra@gmail.com)