Brain-Boosting Tips for Mid-Term Crunch Time

Brainy Bunch Video Offers Tips To University Students

TORONTO , Oct. 19 /CNW/ - To help students maximize brain power during mid-terms, street teams will be targeting Canadian university campuses this week disseminating study tip cards, California walnuts and encouraging everyone to watch a brain-boosting video featuring advice from notable Canadians. The brainy bunch ensemble includes Aubrey Dan , chef Massimo Capra and Mayor Hazel McCallion .

Why walnuts? Walnuts have been touted through the ages as a "brain food." In ancient China , walnuts were deemed to improve intellect and memory by stimulating and enhancing brain function. Nowadays, new research is proving that our ancestors were right. Recent research, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, found that walnuts improve cognitive and motor function in rats(1).

In addition to educating students about the health benefits of eating walnuts, the California Walnut Commission also underscores the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices.

"There are many lifestyle tips that can help students work through those tough schedules and exam times, including smart food choices, exercise and adequate sleep," says Dr. Rickey Yada , scientific director of the Advanced Foods and Materials Network (AFMNet), professor of Food Science, University of Guelph.

    
    Five Study Tips

    1.  Eat brain food, not junk food. Feed your brain high-quality protein
        and vitamins to boost your energy. Eat healthy snacks, such as
        walnuts and three meals a day. Drink lots of water to prevent
        dehydration.

    2.  Shop wisely. Buy whole foods; they're less expensive and healthier
        than processed foods. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
        (they'll boost your immune system).

    3.  Go to bed at a decent hour. When you don't get enough sleep, blood
        flow to your brain can drop by as much as one quarter. So your brain
        cells get 25 per cent less oxygen and nutrients.

    4.  Take a hike. Or hit the gym, go dancing, or take a stroll with your
        friend. Your brain is part of your body, and exercise is just as good
        for your brain as it is for the rest of you.

    5.  Pay attention. The secret to easy studying is to be an active learner
        in the classroom. Raise your hand. Ask questions. Participate in
        discussions. Don't just sit and wait for the teacher to teach you,
        get involved in learning.

    "One of my best tips is to eat healthy whole foods, such as walnuts,
fruits, vegetables and whole grains, instead of junk food," says Dr. Yada.

    Snack Ideas for Study Time

    -   Eat a breakfast parfait with walnuts, berries and yogurt.
    -   Munch on raw carrots or pepper strips, walnut hummus and wholegrain
        crisp bread.
    -   Make a simple trail mix by combining toasted California walnuts,
        raisins, dried cranberries and dried banana chips.
    -   Grab some cheese and apple slices.
    

Targeted universities include: University of Guelph, University of Toronto , Ryerson University, Saint Mary's University, Acadia University, Dalhousie University, University of Calgary , University of Alberta and University of British Columbia.

BOILERPLATE

The California Walnut Commission, established in 1987, is funded by mandatory assessments of the growers. The Commission is an agency of the State of California that works in concurrence with the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The CWC is mainly involved in health research and export market development activities.

    
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    (1) British Journal of Nutrition (2009),101,1140-1144: Dose-dependent
        effects of walnuts on motor and cognitive function in aged rats.
        http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=5465528
    

For further information: Faye Clack Communications, Natalie Pavlenko, [email protected], [phone] ext. 231; Kathy Khamis, [email protected], [phone] ext. 247