MANY students believe that by eating peanuts and getting enough sleep will boost their  brain and  help them refresh their memory and avoid mental block on examination day. Of course, a thorough review is necessary to get high marks.

Not all students, especially those in grade school and high school, get the vital nutrients needed –vitamins A, B6, B12, zinc, calcium, iron and folic acid. According to acupuncturist Michael Van Straten, most students lack iron and folic acid, the vital component that supplies oxygen to the blood.

Straten urged parents to regularly supply their children with these foods to help boost their mental powers.

* Oily fish for essential fatty acids, for example sardines, salmon, tuna, herrings or mackerel.

* Prawns, shrimps and shellfish for zinc.

* All red meat and poultry for protein, iron and B vitamins.

* Wholegrain cereals for B vitamins and slow release energy.

* Nuts and seeds like buto ng kalabasa, sunflower and sesame seeds, nuts, walnuts and peanuts. They are rich with essential oils, zinc and selenium.

* Fresh fruit, salads and green vegetables for vitamins C, A and folic acid.

* Liver for vitamin A, iron and B12. However, pregnant women are advised to avoid this.

* Rosemary, sage, basil and ginger all enhance brain function. This can be added in tinola and other soupy dishes.