Can Diet Help You Boost Your English Language Learning?

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Elbows to the table. Highlighter in hand. Coffee mug filled with Java. Is this all that is required to learn and progress in your English language studies? Science has been moving in a very positive direction over the past couple of decades, with more and more researchers revealing that how we learn, the happiness we feel, and our overall sense of health and wellbeing, are intricately tied into the lifestyle choices we make. Diet is one key consideration when it comes to improving our mood, battling stress, and keeping our memory (a crucial component of English language learning) in optimal condition. How can what you eat affect your memory and your ability to learn a foreign language?

The Mediterranean Diet can Enhance Your Cognitive Performance

A 2016 study published in the journal Frontiers showed that a Mediterranean diet improves key aspects of learning – including attention, memory, and language. This is great news considering the fact that the English language has around 200 irregular verbs and even more phrasal verbs. You will need to play close attention to understand how these verbs work and the contexts in which you might expect to use them. To hone these skills, consume a diet comprising lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, beans, seeds, nuts, legumes, and healthy Omega-3-rich essentially fats, found in foods like fatty fish and walnuts.

A Cup of Learning in Just One Olive

When learning a challenging area of English grammar such as verb tenses, mixed conditionals, or false friends, your memory needs to be sharp and your brain, clear as the day. If you enjoy snacking while studying, forego butter and sunflower or corn oil when cooking and opt for cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil. A 2017 study by scientists at the Temple University Health System found that this golden oil can help with memory and learning. Researchers noted that its high Omega-3 content reduces brain inflammation and helps the brain get rid of toxins that can eventually cause diseases like Alzheimer’s. Another study by the American Academy of Neurology showed that fruits and vegetables can also help decrease the chance of memory problems. Ideally, you should enjoy around 400 grams of fruit and vegetables a day. If you are pressed for time, a nutritious breakfast smoothie is a quick, ideal way to start the day with zest.

Forego High Fat, High Cholesterol Diets

If certain foods can promote learning, others can prove to be a big obstacle to memory. Doctors from the Medical University of South Carolina warn that high-fat, high-cholesterol diets can cause memory loss, since they promote inflammation in the brain. Your eye and ear health can also be affected, which isn’t good news when studying is a goal. Don’t underestimate your eye health when studying for an ESL exam. You will have to rely on various sources, not all of which will have large, clear fonts. Your eyes will also be strained if you are studying on the computer or online, so keep your snacks low-fat yet delicious by utilising cooking methods such as grilling instead of frying.

We have mentioned just three studies pointing to the benefits of a Mediterranean diet for learning and memory. One of the best things about this diet is that it is easy to enjoy both in the home and when you are dining. Opt for grilled foods, use extra virgin olive oil as your dressing, and make sure to eat enough fruits and vegetables every day. You may find this diet has additional perks, including helping you shed a few extra pounds or maintain a healthy weight.

​Author Bio:
 Karoline left her corporate job to spend more time with her family and indulge in her passions of writing and travel. She now works as a freelance writer, offering advice and tips on a range of topics.




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