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Angela Guo: So, it's the old adage on what you eat
when I eaτ sugary or caffeinated food I often find myself, like unable to focus
So, eating healthier food has a significant impact on
how well I can focus, as well as how quick I can focus.
Sanjay Gupta: That's Angela Guo.
She's a 17-year old senior at Adlai Stevenson high school
in Lincolnshire, Illinois.
And that adage she just cited, "You are what you eat",
that's been around since the 1800's.
People have known for a long time just how much food affects us.
But it's not just in term of long-term health,
but also short-term mood.
AG Food really helps us maintain a safe clarity
And sio eating healthier food has a significant impact
on how well I can focus, as well as how quick I can think.
SG: She may only be in high school but Angela has already made
the crucial connection between what she puts in her mouth
and how quickly that affects her brain.
She even believes that simple understanding
gave her a real advantage when she competed
in the National Science Olympiad tournament earlier this year.
Announcer: First place: National champions of the 2023 Science xxxx
tournament: Adlai Stevenson high school of Illinois, let's go!!
SG: Now at this tournament earlier this year,
Angela and her team mates went up against thousands of students
from around the country.
They were competing in events highlighting chemistry, and neuroscience
and biology.
But here is the thing: the entire time on Angela's team
you really didn't see much sugar around.
Instead, there were lots of healthy snacks.
AG So, even at school, I bring my own lunch
and it's just the asset of knowing what goes into your meals
is like really important, it kind of gives you peace of mind.
SG: The team did really well, and now as they prepare for more tournaments,
Angela, who now is team captain, says, sure, they study hard,
but what they eat, how they eat, that's also top of mind.
AG: when we do travel for science contests our cook always makes sure that
we are well stocked with fruit and water.
SG: So Angela seems pretty convinced that food helps her focus
and perform well academically.
Of course, that makes sense but the question today,
"What is the empirical evidence to support that and how does it work?
How exactly does food impact the brain?
And how do we really know when our brain is well nourished?"
Uma Naidoo: Sugar is not xxxx brain