Category: Study tips

According to research from Harvard Health, the best brain foods are the same ones that protect your heart and blood vessels. This principle is especially critical for medical students facing the grueling USMLE Step 1, where peak mental performance can make or break your score. Your diet during this period is not just about staying full; it's about providing the specific nutrients your brain needs to function at its highest level.

Proper hydration is crucial for optimal cognitive function, with studies showing even mild dehydration can impair concentration. This raises the key question for students: is coconut water good before an exam, or could it cause issues?

According to a 2022 systematic review published in Cureus, Omega-3 treatment significantly increases markers of brain function, including memory and cognitive well-being. This demonstrates the potential impact of targeted nutrition, and for many, understanding what is the best supplement for studying can be the key to unlocking their full academic potential.

According to research, the unique combination of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine found in certain teas can improve brain function and reduce anxiety, providing a mental edge for students. Knowing what tea is best before a test is a powerful tool to optimize your exam-day performance.

According to a study published in the *Journal of Food Science & Nutrition*, regular consumption of bananas has been linked to improved cognitive performance and mood enhancement. This simple, portable fruit offers a powerful blend of nutrients that can give students a significant edge on exam day.

According to a study on students during Ramadan, over 80% reported that fasting negatively affected their focus while studying and performance on tests. So, is fasting good for exams? The answer is nuanced, and it depends heavily on the individual, their body's adaptation, and the type of fasting being practiced.

According to one university study, a significant majority of students—over 80%—reported that fasting negatively affects their focus while studying. This common struggle begs the question: is it harder to study while fasting, and if so, what can be done to counteract the potential dip in academic performance?

Even mild dehydration can cause significant fatigue and reduced alertness, compounding the effects of an all-nighter. This makes understanding how much water you should drink during an all-nighter critical for sustaining focus and energy through the night. Proper hydration is a key component of powering through a long study or work session.

Research indicates that high-sugar diets can damage the hippocampus, the brain's learning and memory center. To protect your cognitive function and maximize your academic success, understanding what to avoid eating when studying is a crucial first step.

According to a 2025 study from King's College London, students who had a nutritious breakfast performed better in exams than those who skipped it. This evidence challenges the popular notion that it is best to study on an empty stomach, revealing how crucial proper fuel is for cognitive function.