Did you know that food also plays an important role in helping you achieve success in your USMLE review? The adage:"You are what you eat" still holds true. What you take in also helps to promote better memory. Here are some foods that will help you along the way in getting by successfully in the USMLE world.

Quercetin. This is a flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory effects. It has anti-inflammatory effects, specifically on the power-house of the cell or the mitochondria which helps a medical student for better physical fitness. It inhibits that release of histamine, the main chemical responsible for allergic reactions, thus decreasing the likelihood of colds, nasal congestion and asthma. Recent studies also showed that this phytochemical played a major role in protecting an individual from Alzheimer's disease.Foods rich in quercetin are broccoli, apple eaten with the skin on, yellow and white onions and grapes.

Anthocyanins. A phytochemical that has anti-oxidant as well as memory boosting capacity. Research indicates that this biological compound has been shown to protect large and small blood vessels in humans from the oxidation process. The brain, being the most vulnerable in the oxidation process is aided by this phytochemical by inhibiting the tyrosine nitration.

Tyrosine nitration is believed to be the major cause of neurodegenerative disease and brain trauma. During World War II, this chemical was used to in traditional folk medicine to induce menstruation and improve the night vision of many British pilots. In a 1964 French research paper, 36 people benefited from receiving amounts of anthocyanins from bilberry. Their ability to adjust to light and dark improved significantly. But because these phytochemicals are not stored in the body, it is important that you eat fruits and vegetables in order to get ample amounts of this highly beneficial compound. Less eye fatigue and better adaptability to the dark was one of the beneficial result of a recent Japanese study using black currant as the source of these anthocyanins. You can gain the diverse health benefits of this compound by eating blueberries, onions, red beets, grapes, cherries and eggplant.

Folic Acid.There is much research regarding the the health benefits of the B vitamin groups. Folic acide is one vitamin that helps to improve and sharpen your memory. A three-year folic acid experiment in University of Wageningen, Netherlands showed significant improvement in memory, information processing and sensorimotor speed in 800 participants. (Lancet, 2006). In a similar study, folic acid benefited 965 subjects from a six-year study conducted by the Columbia University. Subjects with highest level intake of folic acid showed lower risk of Alzheimer's disease. Foods rich in folic acid are: asparagus, okra, broccoli, sunflower seeds, kidney beans, avocado, whole wheat breads and pastas and lentils.

Indeed, nothing can beat the benefits of the resources that Mother Nature provides. With the right frame of mind, and the right balance of nutrients, you will be ready enter to the USMLE world set for success. Remember that eating the right food should enhance your performance for an effective USMLE review. It really does not hurt to listen to what your mother used to tell you when you were a kid: "Eat your greens and purples. It will make everything in you supple and able."