Nutri News September 2022
The theme for September is Back to School!!! Articles include nutrigenetics and if a nutrient dense breakfast improves school performance. This issue also includes an easy lunch box recipe and shopping in season with figs. This month’s student spotlight is on our very own Georgina Brace and an interview with Professor Altice.
The theme for September is Back to School!!! Articles include nutrigenetics and if a nutrient dense breakfast improves school performance. This issue also includes an easy lunch box recipe and shopping in season with figs. This month’s student spotlight is on our very own Georgina Brace and an interview with Professor Altice.
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13<br />
Coffee & Tea<br />
One thing that both coffee and tea have<br />
in common is caffeine. Caffeine<br />
improves alertness, performance, mood,<br />
memory, and focus in the short term,<br />
while also supporting long-term mental<br />
function and the retention of new<br />
memories.2,3 In addition to caffeine,<br />
coffee contains a number of<br />
antioxidants and has been shown to<br />
reduce the risk of Parkinson’s and<br />
Alzheimer’s disease when consumed for<br />
a long period of time and in significant<br />
quantities. Furthermore, green tea has<br />
several compounds that solidify its<br />
status as a “brain food,” namely L-<br />
theanine. L-theanine is an amino acid<br />
that increases the activity of GABA: a<br />
neurotransmitter that works to reduce<br />
anxiety and increase relaxation. Green<br />
tea also contains polyphenols and<br />
antioxidants, which may help protect<br />
the brain.<br />
Nuts<br />
Nuts are most widely known for<br />
supporting heart health, but they also<br />
support brain health.2,3 Studies have<br />
shown that consuming nuts regularly<br />
has the potential to improve memory<br />
and lower the risk of cognitive decline.<br />
This is likely due to the composition of<br />
the healthy fats, proteins, antioxidants,<br />
and vitamin E found in most nuts.<br />
Walnuts are of special note because of<br />
their high concentration of omega-3<br />
fatty acids, which were previously<br />
discussed as playing a large role in brain<br />
health.