Add Some Blueberries To Breakfast This Exam Season

We already know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but if you've got a child with exams coming up, that statement has never been more true. So it's great timing that new research shows that blueberries could actually be the key to exam success. (Well, that and actually studying, of course.)

The University of Reading has discovered a hidden talent in the humble blueberry that could be the secret to great exams. The study saw a group of children consuming a drink containing either 1¾ cups of fresh blueberries, ¾ of a cup, or a placebo. Before and after the drink they were given a series of cognitive exams to test their memory.

The results? Astounding. The study saw a 13% improvement in the children’s memory 6 hours after consuming the high dosage drink, making blueberries the perfect breakfast during the exam block.

Commenting on the results of her study, Professor Claire Williams noted that the fruit is “rich in flavonoids, (and) a range of health benefits including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.” She also added that “primary school is a vital stage in a child's educational and social development. These results indicate strongly that consuming foods rich in flavonoids (like fresh blueberries) could aid overall learning in the classroom."

And as luck would have it, Australian blueberries are now in peak season, meaning it’s easy (and cheap!) for all of us to add some punnets to their basket. 

Why not try our pancake recipe to really get the kids excited about blueberries?

Blueberry Protein Powder Pancakes

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vanilla protein powder

• 1 tbsp maca powder

• 2 eggs

• 1 banana

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 punnet fresh Aussie blueberries

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

• Greek yoghurt, to serve

• Honey, to serve

Method

1. In a blender, pulse the protein powder, maca powder, eggs, banana and baking powder until combined.
2. Heat a non-stick pan to a medium heat and melt the coconut oil.
3. Pour some of the mixture into the pan to make a pancake. Place some fresh blueberries on top.
4. When the edges start to golden, about 1-2 minutes, flip and cook for 1 more minute. Repeat with the remaining mixture and blueberries.
5. Top with fresh blueberries, Greek yoghurt and honey.

 

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