Boost your brainpower to support your CeMAP studies

June 25, 2015 by Brendan O'Neill

Features

When training to become a mortgage professional, there are a number of things that you can do to in order to support your study schedule, including eating the right foods.

To help you advance, there are numerous study techniques that can be implemented, and we all know the importance of getting a good night’s sleep to maximise your cognitive function. However, you can also look at your current dietary habits and assess what changes you can make for the better.

How can food help?

Choosing the wrong type of foodstuffs can leave you lethargic, sluggish and struggling to concentrate. However, by incorporating certain ingredients into your diet, it may help to enhance your studies.

As well as supporting your physical and mental wellbeing, a healthy and balanced diet will fuel your brain, which will help you on your path to becoming a qualified mortgage adviser. So, which foods are best?

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are full of an antioxidant called lycopene, which may help to protect the cells from free radical damage, which has been linked to dementia development.

Blueberries

Tufts University in America has gathered evidence that suggests that eating blueberries is able to improve or even potentially delay the onset of short-term memory loss.

Oily fish

As the body is unable to make essential fatty acids (EFAs), we need to include them in our diet, as they are good for promoting a healthy, functioning brain. These omega-3 fats naturally occur in oily fish, including trout, salmon, sardines and kippers.

Wholegrain

Many wholegrain food items have a low Glycaemic Index (GI). This means that they release glucose at a steadier pace into the bloodstream, which allows your brain to remain mentally alert during the day.

Blackcurrants

These berries are a great source of vitamin C, which is thought to support mental agility.

Pumpkin seeds

Great for improving your memory and overall thinking, pumpkin seeds are full of zinc, with just a handful containing the recommended daily amount.

Sage

This herb is thought to improve your memory, so include fresh sage in your diet.

During your studies, it is beneficial to take the time to assess your current eating habits and reflect on areas that can be improved to support your learning. Draw up a meal planner to work alongside your study timetable, incorporating the key foodstuffs through healthy recipes and nutritious snacks. This way, you will be able to eat and study your way to success, soon gaining a career in the mortgage industry upon qualification.