The role of university cafeterias in supporting adequate nutrition remains a critical one in the context where unhealthy food is still the easiest option for students who face limited financial resources or lack of time to cook.
A balanced diet is essential for brain health. Photo: Pixabay
“Weekend Adevărul” discussed with prof. university Dr. Corina-Aurelia Zugravu, nutrition and food hygiene primary doctor, head of the Department of Hygiene and Ecology at the “Carol Davila” Faculty of Medicine, about unhealthy eating trends among students, even those from Medicine, how important nutrition is for a good brain functioning, but also about the low number of canteens in the institutions where students work.
“Weekend Adevărul”: What are the most common trends you have observed in the diet of students in Romania in recent years?
Prof. university Dr. Corina-Aurelia Zugravu: For example, our students in Medicine, starting from the third year, have a very long schedule, sometimes from 8 in the morning to 8 in the evening, sometimes even three or four days a week. So they don’t have time to be able to eat organized and healthy, at least three meals a day, as would be ideal. Students who come from the provinces are even more disadvantaged in this respect and often turn to the easily accessible food, fast food, even though they know it is not the healthiest option. At our faculty, we have a canteen where the food is somewhat healthier, but its capacity is limited and cannot cover the needs of all students, especially since many of them spend a lot of time in hospitals and other locations in Bucharest. In general, many students do not have the financial resources to regularly eat out in restaurants where they could choose healthier options. Some still bring food from home, but much less often, and others don’t eat at all or rely on the dishes we were talking about. This is the reality they face every day.
What role should universities have in promoting healthy eating and good budget and time management?
Universities and colleges should play an active role in nutrition education and student organization. From the first years of school, young people should be taught nutrition and personal budget management. So such information should not only be offered at the university level, but gradually incorporated starting from middle school itself. In college there is this system where the older students mentor the new ones in many ways.
Learning ability, impaired
Could you briefly explain the impact of nutrition on academic performance?
If we analyze logically, it is clear that improper nutrition affects brain performance. Students are resilient, the nervous system being very plastic at that age, which means that not everything is negative or permanent. Students who are from Bucharest still get to eat at home, and those from the province still receive food from their relatives, so it’s not really an endless problem. If the periods of poor eating are limited, then I don’t think there are any long-term consequences. Our body is very adaptable, but everything is not to last long. I think it’s more likely that excessive consumption of stimulants like coffee or energy drinks, smoking and late nights studying can affect him. It is clear that a diet high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fat, as well as excessive salt consumption, is not beneficial for optimal brain function and can affect students’ academic performance.
Dr. Corina Zugravu urges us to be cautious with extreme or unscientific diets. Photo: Facebook
What foods should students prioritize to support optimal brain function?
The brain needs an adequate supply of nutrients to function properly because, in the long run, healthy eating not only supports academic performance, but also general well-being, which is crucial for any student. So for the brain to function properly, it is essential to ensure that the diet includes a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, which are vital for neurological health. Also, healthy carbohydrates are indispensable, they give you the energy you need in the long run. If the diet is not balanced and does not include these nutrients, the ability to learn can be negatively affected. It is important for students to incorporate vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and quality protein sources into their diet, which can support both brain function and overall health.
S(tr)ession and the brain
During times of stress such as exam sessions, what foods or food groups do you recommend for managing fatigue and stress?
It is important to understand that food or dietary supplements, such as vitamins, do not act in the short term like the antibiotic does. Therefore, there is no instant cure to eliminate stress or fatigue in the session. However, a vitamin supplement never hurts, especially when students tend to eat erratically and on the run. I think better time management is essential. Students should not leave studying for the last two days or the last week, but should plan and distribute their study materials throughout the year, thus avoiding the time crunch at the end. In terms of nutrition, a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables and plant-based foods can be supplemented occasionally with a little fish or an Omega-3 supplement, can support the optimal functioning of the body during these demanding times. It is important for students to take care of their health throughout the year, not just during periods of high stress. Otherwise, it’s like you only thought about boosting your immunity after getting sick a few times. Health must be considered a constant priority, not just when a crisis occurs. Even the consumption of coffee or energy drinks is allowed, but in moderate quantities.
Even with such a busy schedule, what could students do to eat healthier?
Organization is key and many students would prefer to prepare their food at home. However, I believe the real solution lies elsewhere. Institutions where students spend most of their time, such as colleges, dormitories, hospitals, or other facilities, should provide them with access to cafeterias where they can purchase healthy food. I am convinced that students would prefer healthier options if they are accessible to them in the places where they do most of their activities.
Are you noticing a trend among college students to adopt special diets?
Students tend to keep pace with society, so it’s normal to be influenced by various food trends. And I’ve noticed that the hectic pace of college life can lead to changes in body weight—some students gain weight, others lose weight—and so they start resorting to all kinds of crazy diets. However, we must be careful with extreme or unscientific diets, such as the military diet or other quick weight loss cures that are not sustainable in the long term and can have negative health effects. So stress management is crucial in college and it is important to maintain a balance.
