BRAIN BOOSTERS: THE EFFECTS OF BRAIN FOOD CONSUMPTION TOWARDS

THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF THE STEM 12 STUDENTS

John Gabriel Ubales1, 2, 3, Sohayra Basher1, 2, 3, Fiona Israelle Bautista1, 2, 3,
Kim Ashley Cuñado1, 2, 3, Samantha Nicole de Chavez1, 2, 3,
Jonna Deguzman1, 2, 3, Klarine Delos Santos1, 2, 3,
Bea Veloso1, 2, 3

1
Senior High School Department
2
Research Development and Innovation Center
3
Our Lady Fatima University

Research Adviser

4
Mayleen E. Logo

December 2022
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents i
1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Background of the Study 2
1.2 Theoretical Framework 3
1.3 Conceptual Framework 5
1.4 Statement of the Problem 6
1.5 Research Hypothesis 6
1.6 Scope and Delimitation 7
1.7 Significance of the Study 7
1.8 Definition of Terms 8
2.0 Review of Related Literature 10
2.1 Local Literature 10
2.2 Foreign Literature 11
2.3 Local Study 12
2.4 Foreign Study 14
2.5 Synthesis 15
3.0 Research Methodology 18
3.1 Research Design 18
3.2 Research Locale 18
3.3 Key Informant Selection 18
3.4 Research Ethics 19
3.5 Research Instruments 19
3.6 Data Collection 20
3.7 Data Analysis 20
References 21
1.0 Introduction

"Our brain is our garden. The roots are nurtured by the food we eat." - Zach Nasr.
Numerous studies are being conducted on how our diets affect how well our brains function in
the modern world. The goal of all of these studies is to determine whether the food we eat affects
how our brains function. However, many people held this belief regarding the ability of certain
nutrients to improve one's brain function long before any research was conducted. Studies suggest
that eating foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are beneficial to the brain
(Selhub, 2022).

Students must always have their brain function at its peak due to the demanding nature of
the academic area. It demands a lot of mental effort for people to answer mathematical questions
and write articles on taxing subjects. In the world of academia, numerous tasks must be
completed, including research, math problems, essays, and other kinds of assignments.

On that basis, it is expected of students to always have optimal brain function when it
comes to the topic of brain function, given that it is necessary for them to complete their

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academic assignments and to achieve their best academically. To improve their academic
performance, some students have resorted to taking supplements that are thought to affect their
normal brain function. However, given that the demanding academic sector requires them to have
their brain function at its best, some people ingest foods that are thought to help their brain
function to enhance their academic performance.

While existing studies are done centering towards the effects of nutrition on an
individual’s brain function, there is not much research focusing on the effects of specific brain
food on the academic performance of the students and the first-hand perception of individuals
doing the consumption practice. Specifically, research that centers on the students of the STEM
strand who are exposed to a wide array of varying subjects. The scientific effects of proper
nutrition and malnutrition on brain function received much attention, but less attention was paid
to the effects of brain foods on academic performance and student perceptions on those effects.

All of these details are what inspired the researchers to carry out this study. Ideas such as
the brain foods’ benefit when it comes to memorizing and solving math problems and how it
benefits the students in the field of academia lingered within the researchers' minds. All of the
unresolved questions that were developed during this inquiry should have a complete response.

That is why the researchers would aim to identify the brain food consumed by the Grade
12 Students of Our Lady of Fatima University - Laguna studying under the STEM strand. Foods
that they believe to have benefits in their brain function. In addition, the researchers would also
aim to know the first-hand practical benefits of the consumption practice on their academic
performance.

1.1 Background of the Study

Long before researches were done, the belief that food has a significant effect on our
brain function has long been present. As stated in an article written by Jennings (2021) entitled 11
Best Foods to Boost Your Brain and Memory, the foods you eat play a role in keeping your brain
healthy and can improve specific mental tasks, such as memory and concentration. Knowing that,
we can infer that the food we eat has the potential to significantly affect how our brains work. In
order to keep up with the demanding environment of their academic duties, students would turn
to this strategy, hoping that it could in some way assist in improving their academic performance.

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From an article written by Harvard Health (2021), the foods that have been linked to better brain
function are the green veggies, fatty fish, berries, tea, coffee, and nuts.

As students, our brain function really needs to be at its best so that we can utilize it
properly when needed as someone who is involved in academic work. This research prioritizes
the students of the STEM Strand. In an article written by Muniz (2022), STEM consists of natural
sciences, math, technology, and engineering fields. Since it is given that the said field or strand is
deeply immersed in scientific related theories, the researchers took interest in them as the main
respondents for this research.

In connection to the food and a student’s academic performance, in an article written by

Kapoor (2022) entitled “Nutrition and Academic Performance” it states that good food satisfies
our body. It helps us have better concentration and self-actualization. Good nutrition is vital in
keeping our cognitive and academic potential at its best.

In this study, the researchers would know what are the exact brain foods consumed by the
respondents to help them boost their brain functions and help them in their studies. The
researchers would also like to know if the participants have observed a substantial benefit in their
cognition, memorization, and academic performance, whether it actually improved or it had no
effect.

It would be advantageous to continue this study since it would allow researchers to

identify the foods that the respondents were consuming to improve their academic performance.
Furthermore, based on their responses, it could be determined how they felt about the suggested
consumption pattern in terms of how food might affect one's ability to think and remember things
and know the first-hand perception of an individual who is doing the practice.

1.2 Theoretical Framework

The Theory of Food, proposed by John Allen, would serve as the basis for the study's
theoretical framework (2012).

It describes that food is at the center of multiple brain networks surrounding several
cognitive domains. Without any consumed food inside our body, our mind might go out of focus,

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be tired, and be stressed throughout. The “Theory of Food” as a neurocognitive adaptation is

much more than about ingestion and digestion. Thus, it is a connection between the mind and
food that can highly contribute to enhancing cognitive domains and memory formation.
According to this theory, cognitive activities related to food may be cognitive enhancers, such as
understanding the food we eat and knowing the food itself. It illustrates how we choose the food
we eat—that is, by having our own perceptions of the food. This theory also relates the idea of
food to a language; both are needed to have implicit and explicit learning over the years.
Furthermore, according to this view, although eating is a necessity for survival, our surroundings
and culture have a direct impact on the kind of food we eat. It asserts that a human diet includes
influences from the technical, sociological, and cognitive environments in addition to our own
known foods.

This theory connects to our study since it help us identify how an individual arrives to the
idea of consuming foods to help them have better brain function, and in turn boost their academic
performance. With this research, we can prove that an individual not only chooses a food because
he or she needs it. Rather, by knowing what is the food and how it will benefit them. As
mentioned earlier, there are some foods that benefit one’s brain function that is generally needed
as a student in an academic setting. Through this, the researchers can identify how the
respondents or the population in general resorts to consumption of food that is believed to have
an effect on our cognition, which relates to the research that is being conducted.

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1.3 Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework used in this study would be the input-process-output model.

Input Process Output

1. What brain-  Searching for  Researchers are

function beneficial finished research and anticipated to know
food do the studies. what brain function
respondents  Reviewing related beneficial food the
consume? articles. respondents consume.
2. What is the main  Formulating survey Likewise, they will
perception of the questionnaires. also find out the
respondents  Administering perception of their
towards brain food survey respondents towards
consumption’s questionnaires. the effect of brain
effects in terms of:  Organization of food towards their
2.1 Cognition students’ responses academic
2.2 Memorization  Statistical analysis of performance.
3. What are the data
respondents’
general weighted
averages for the
first quarter of the
first semester?
4. What is the main
perception of the
respondents
towards the effect
of brain food
consumption
towards their
academic
performance?

Figure 1: Paradigm of the Study

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The input outlines the queries that the researchers are trying to address. It consists of
inquiries related to the brain function beneficial food consumed by the respondents along with the
effects of this consumption practice.

The process shows the searching for finished researches and studies, reviewing related
articles, formulating survey questionnaires, administering survey questionnaires, organization of
students’ responses, and the statistical analysis of data.

The intended outcome of this study is presented in the output, which concludes. The
development of the conclusion and responding to the inquiries raised by this study are also
important.

1.4 Statement of the Problem

The aim of the research study is to identify the brain food consumed by the respondents
and its effects towards their academic performance. The study specifically seeks to answer the
following questions:

1. What brain-function beneficial food do the respondents consume?

2. What is the main perception of the respondents towards brain food consumption’s effects
in terms of:
2.1 Cognition
2.2 Memorization
3. What are the respondents’ general weighted averages for the first quarter of the first
semester?
4. What is the main perception of the respondents towards the effect of brain food
consumption towards their academic performance?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The researcher made the assumption that the study's anticipated findings would aid the
intended audience of researchers and those who would benefit from it in determining the types of
brain foods that respondents typically ate and their effects. To specify precisely what was to be
tested, the researchers developed alternative hypotheses.

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H a : The respondents consume various type of brain food that has a significant effect in their
academic performance.

1.6 Scope and Delimitation

The researchers in a private University at Sta. Rosa, Laguna are conducting non-
experimental research titled “Brain Boosters: The Effects of Brain Food Consumption Towards
the Academic Performance of STEM 12 Students”. The independent variable of this study would
only encompass the brain food consumed by the students and the dependent variable would cover
the effects on the academic performance of the students.

The researchers carried out this study only to find out what kinds of brain food the STEM
12 students consume and find out its effects on their academic performance that can help them to
be more knowledgeable in analyzing data and memorization, since the STEM strand is heavily
exposed to a wide array of subjects including complex mathematical and scientific theories and
concepts.

The respondents of this study will limit its coverage to the Grade 12 STEM students who
enrolled during the years 2022–2023 and exclude those who are in other year levels and strands.
As the researchers would only be concentrating on identifying the brain foods that are frequently
consumed and the noticed effects of this consumption practice towards the respondents’ academic
performance, this study would not include scientifically testing the effectiveness of the various
brain foods that the respondents consume.

1.7 Significance of the Study

The insights gained from this research would benefit the community and those who are
involved in an educational setting. Researchers would be able to contribute to the ongoing and
future studies through the help of this study. New ideas, concepts, and knowledge are valued in
research.
The following are the study’s specific significances:

The Community. All of us belong in our own community, it is where we first have fundamental
knowledge that would help us in the long run. This could benefit the community by giving them

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ideas and knowledge about what food were noticed to have an effect in our brain function and it
can be a way for them to launch programs that concerns brain food consumption.

The School. Educational institutions are the home for nurturing young minds and enthusiastic
learners. Through this study, we would identify the possible foods we can provide the students in
order to better help them have an easier learning experience.

The Teacher. Through this research, the teachers would identify what brain foods are usually
consumed by students and help give them ideas as to what brain foods have been noticed to
benefit one’s brain function.

The Student. As the main respondents of this research, this study will give students the
opportunity to learn about the different types of food that can improve their memory and help
them be successful students in the process.

The Future Researchers. This research can be a gateway for future researchers to formulate new
research about new and other brain food and in that way, they can test its effectiveness.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Academia – The field of academics that involves students.

Academic – Activities that are related to school.
Address - A matter that needs to be explained and talked about to have a concrete solution or
reason.
Beneficial - This is a good way or good effect when you do something that has a good impact on
yourself mentally or physically.
Brain - Serves as the receiver of the consumed food. As a result of the nutrition, the brain
receives, cognitive and memory capabilities also improve.
Brain Food – Foods that are said to have an effect on an individual’s brain function.
Cognition - This is the overall process mentally where we learn in everything we do.
Concentration - This is the ability of a student to focus on what they’re doing in a short or long
time.
Consumption - The act of ingesting food.
Consumption Practice - A habit of eating developed by an individual

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Factor – A facet that can influence one’s cognition.

Function - This is how one thing works internally.
Identifying – It is the act of knowing or studying a certain field.
Memorization – It is the remembering of ideas and concepts.
Method - When you need to accomplish something, this is an alternative option or second choice.
Skills - An ability to do or execute things through mind.
Unrecompensed – not given enough attention

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2.0 Review of Related Literature

2.1 Local Literature

According to an article written by Bermudez (2022), it was stated that the food we
consume has a feasible effect on our mental health. The vagus nerve, an essential component of
the brain-gut axis that connects the stomach and brain, establishes a solid connection between the
two organs, which may help explain why stress causes uneasiness in our minds and stomach
flutters. The top meal on most lists is often fatty fish. Regular fish eaters have more grey matter
in their brains, which may reduce age-related mental decline and prevent the early onset of
Alzheimer's. 20% of our body's energy is used by it even though it makes up only 2% of our
weight. There are ten times as many cells in that area as in the rest of the body, so anything we
eat or expose it to must have an energy source. Young people from school have many health
implications. It is a time of increased responsibility for food choices and practices. Some students
encounter lifestyle factors, and a healthy diet is essential for good nutrition. It protects us against
chronic non-communicable diseases like heart disease. Eating various foods and consuming less
salt and sugar are essential.

As attested by Papica (2020) in an article, it was stated that a learner who has better
nutrition can significantly affect the performance of the learner in school. Those with proper
nutrition have the higher chance of always attending classes and have less absences in the
process. It was said that malnutrition at the age of 5 can have severe impact towards the brain
development of a child, which can also affect their growth. Those with poor nutrition can affect
the ability of children to learn. Malnourished children possesses a higher chance of illiteracy than
those who received proper nutrition. Furthermore, basic arithmetic can also be harder to
accomplish for students, pupils, or children who have substandard amount of nutrition. It was also
mentioned that students with stunted nutritional status scores less in exams compared to those
students who are considered to have a normal nutritional status. That is why for the past years,
DepEd has been promoting advocacies that could benefit the Filipino children. The operation of
the School-based Feeding Program had long been implemented and is producing promising
results when it comes to helping the pupils receive proper nutrition to help in aiding them towards
having better attitude as a student and academic performance.

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Memory decline can affect students' performance in school because they will not be able
to absorb their lessons, which can lead to a decrease in their performance. Students must consume
brain-beneficial foods that nourish the brain, such as nuts, fatty fish, eggs, avocados, broccoli,
beans, and legumes, to maintain and improve their memory and cognition. These foods keep our
minds sharp and maintain healthy blood flow in our brains, which promotes rational cognition.
The nutrients we get from these foods also improve the way our brain functions. A healthy diet
maintains and improves the brain's health in addition to enhancing and nourishing it. Students
will be able to learn more quickly and will have better memories if their cognitive function is in
excellent condition. The improvement in cognitive function can result in good academic
performance (Navarrosa, 2018).

2.2 Foreign Literature

Ahmad, et al. (2021) published an article saying that the brain is the human body's most
complex organ. The brain continuously monitors our activities and routines, communicating with
other organs to coordinate their actions. Neurons are brain cells and nerve cells, forming the basis
of the nervous system's tissues. A neuron can both receive and send impulses to various bodily
regions. Our brain functions are significantly affected by the food we consume which means that
good nutrition can benefit the brain in more ways than one. An unhealthy diet forces our body to
produce too many stress hormones. However, several brain foods can benefit the brain too. Foods
that contain omega-3 have been proven to benefit the brain.

According to Burgess (2020), what we eat can significantly impact how our brains
function. A nutritious, well-balanced diet helps support brain health or brain function. Since our
brain consumes approximately 20% of the calories in our body, the brain requires a lot of healthy
nourishment to maintain concentration or focus throughout the day.

Scientific justification would be provided for 12 of the best brain foods. First, Oily fish is
excellent at supplying omega-3. They can strengthen the structure of neurons, which are brain
cells. Second, Dark Chocolate includes cocoa (often known as cacao). Flavonoids, an antioxidant
class, are found in cacao. Antioxidants are vital for preserving brain health. Thirdly, many berries
include antioxidant flavonoid compounds, just like dark chocolate. Fourth, Nuts and seeds
include omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Fifth, whole grains are a good source of vitamin E.
Sixth; coffee is a well-known concentration booster that keeps us awake and alert. Antioxidants

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in coffee may benefit a person’s cognitive function as they age. Seventhly, Avocados, a good
source of unsaturated fat, may benefit the brain. Monounsaturated lipid consumption may lower
blood pressure, whereas high blood pressure is associated with cognitive deterioration. Eighth,
Peanuts contain significant amounts of vitamin E, essential for maintaining brain function. Ninth,
Eggs are rich in B vitamins and folic acid. A recent study suggests that these vitamins mitigate
cognitive aging and stop brain shrinkage. Tenth, broccoli also contains antioxidants, flavonoids,
and vitamin C, which can enhance people’s brain health. Eleventh, Kale has glucosinolates like
broccoli, and leafy greens generally have other vital antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Lastly,
soy products are high in polyphenols. Polyphenols help people age cognitively while reducing the
risk of dementia, according to research.

Measures of wakefulness and drowsiness are profoundly influenced by caffeine.

Caffeine's psychoactive properties help explain why Coffee is the most widely consumed caffeine
source globally. Curiously, its long-term consequences on the brain's functioning networks
remain unexplored. Caffeine has several beneficial effects on the brain. It may enhance alertness
and well-being, improve attention, enhance mood, and prevent depression. Caffeine may affect
sleep, but only in those who are very sensitive. Drinking a coffee two to four cups a day is
recommended (Naidoo, 2022).

Both young and older people are advised to get the vitamins that are beneficial to the
brain in the food consumed. Food Supplements can be used as an alternative, but it is only
sometimes applicable to some. The best way to fight memory problems is by eating well. The
Mediterranean diet can be a great source of nutrients an individual needs. This diet can improve
memory by consuming plant-based foods, limiting red meat consumption, eating fish, and using
less oil in meals (Ashpari, 2020).

2.3 Local Study

Lipayon (2019) pursued a study on nutrition's role in students' academic performance. If

the proper diet were followed, our intellect would be stimulated. The nutrition brought by brain
food has a vital role in student's growth in their areas of learning, which depends on how much
energy they have in their bodies and minds. It gives the body the nutrition, especially the brain,
for more significant learning and improved academic performance.

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This study shows that students determine the lesson through concepts, and the ability of
the respondents to judge a lesson through standards is observed, which means the academic
performance in cognitive learning is high. Moreover, the ability to recall a lesson through
memory and execute or implement it was observed too. The respondents are also moderately
observed to construct meaning from the lesson. Overall, students' academic performance in
cognitive learning was observed, giving it a high ranking. Based on the data collected, the
researcher then concluded that nutrition has a significant effect on the academic performance of
students on their cognition.

In a qualitative metasynthesis study pursued by Cristuta, et al. (2019) wherein they

gathered several pieces of research to come up with a new conclusion. They cited in the said
research a Dominguez (2018) study wherein it was found that malnutrition can significantly
affect a student’s school survival rate. The lack of nutrition can be a factor in a student’s ability to
stay in school, which is why it was suggested for schools to perform actions that would prevent
the ever-growing population of child malnourishment in the country. The belief of
malnourishment having an effect on a child’s cognition and educational growth was strengthened
by this study. This proves the importance of food in the academic life and personal growth of a
student. Moreover, a study conducted by Hunt (2015) found that fruit consumption is
proportionate to the level of alertness of an individual. It was discovered that a high amount of
fruit consumption can benefit the mind and increase the level of alertness. In addition, the
respondents in the study who consumed more fruits and fewer amounts of meat had better results
when it comes to subjects such as academic performance and sickness frequency compared to the
respondents who consume a larger amount of meat compared to their fruit consumption. Cristuta,
et al. (2019) then concluded that more than half of their gathered studies found that nutrition
really does have an effect on the academic performance of Filipino students. Those who lack the
proper nutrients have a higher tendency of having substandard concentration skills, than those
who do not. That is why the suggestion of monitoring the eating patterns of the students was
made, to prevent them from having deficient nutritional status which could eventually affect their
academic performance.

Students’ lack of food and nutrition will lead to difficulties in learning and well-being,
which may result in low academic performance. They are most likely to experience memory
deficiency and psychological imbalance as the brain can experience inhibition of blood vessels
and reduce blood flow. On the other hand, an excessive intake of food with a high level of fatty

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foods and sugar content may also be harmful not only to the student’s minds but also to their
health, leaving long-term consequences. Poor eating habits have been the primary reason students
lose their awareness and track of food consumption. Hence, having self-awareness and control
over the food we consume is very important as consuming nutritious foods plays a vital role as
the first stage needed to attain academic success (Magulod Jr. & Capili, 2019).

2.4 Foreign Study

In research conducted by Freeman (2022), food insecurity and malnutrition can lead to
poor academic performance because their bodies and brains do not receive adequate nutrition,
resulting in decreased cognitive development, affecting their academic performance. Insufficient
nutrients can lead to a decline in cognitive function, which is why consuming brain-beneficial
foods rich in nutrients is essential. It has also been stated that proper food diets benefit cognitive
functions such as memory, reasoning, thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. Brain-
beneficial foods rich in nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy, can improve cognitive
function. Freeman also identified foods that can harm students' academic performance, such as
sweetened beverages and added sugar. According to Freeman's analysis using correlation and
regression models, the correlation revealed that fruit and dairy could improve students' GPAs
while consuming too much-added sugar and sweetened beverages can result in a decline in their
GPA.

In contrast, the linear regression reveals that increased consumption of fruits, fiber, and
dairy will increase the GPA, while increasing the added sugar and consumption of sweetened
beverages can result in a decline in GPA. In order to improve academic performance, the
consumption of brain-beneficial foods such as fruits and vegetables is needed because they
contain nutrients that nourish the brain, improving cognitive function.

A study by Gao, et al. (2021) state that a child should eat something healthy every
morning to fuel up for the demanding day ahead. Compared to people who miss breakfast,
breakfast is an excellent time to eat foods high in B vitamins, folate, iron, fiber, and vitamins and
minerals. Metabolism is boosted in the morning, which helps burn calories all day. Additionally,
it provides the energy needed to accomplish goals and aids in improving concentration at work or
school. These are just a few reasons breakfast is known as the day's most important meal.
However, it is pretty common for students to skip their breakfast.

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On the other hand, a study by Adolphus et al. (2019) was cited in this research stating
that "Regular breakfast consumption is positively associated with academic achievement in
children and adolescents." The findings of this study indicated that by lowering hunger and
enhancing concentration to boost motivation, eating breakfast can further enhance students'
academic achievement. It was important for parents and teachers to inform teenagers about the
benefits of having breakfast on academic performance and to assist them in forming the habit.
Parents and educators should support teenagers in their academic growth, given that achievement
motivation is crucial for breakfast eating and academic accomplishment.

According to Burrows et al. (2016), students that consume poor-quality food, such as
junk food and foods with lots of calories, fat, sugar, and salt, are less likely to perform well
academically and healthy, nutrient-dense foods.

Out of the 678 adolescents who participated in the obesity and cardiovascular study, 395
applied for higher education. According to their study, they claimed that it is clear that those who
did not apply for higher education would less likely attend high school. According to the results
of the students who applied to higher education, 67 of them had unhealthy eating habits, 197 of
them had fair eating habits, and 131had healthy ones. Additionally, they learned that if the
students consume foods that are rich in nutrients, their average grades in the subjects of language
and math improved. Participants who consumed unhealthy diets were considerably less likely to
score well in the language and math subjects than those who consumed healthy ones.
Additionally, students with an unhealthy diet had a much lesser probability of having a high
GPA, which supports the idea that what students eat affects their academic performance.

This concludes that eating healthy food rich in nutrients and vitamins affects brain
function and academic performance. While students who eat nutritious meals are more likely to
succeed in school, those who consume unhealthy foods have a lower chance of passing tests and
participating in other school activities, impacting their academic performance.

2.5 Synthesis

In the process of collecting references relevant to the study, several ideas emerged
constantly. First is the relation and effect of nutrition on a student's academic performance or
brain function in general. Freeman (2020) conducted a study and found that food insecurity and

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malnourishment can lead to impaired academic performance. This information was strengthened
by a study done by Burrows, et al. (2016). In the study they conducted, the researchers learned
that students who consume less nutritious food were observed to have lower scores when it comes
to math and language tests. The idea of food being a vital part of an excellent academic
performance was also strengthened by a research done by Magulod Jr. & Capili (2019). They
stated that students who do not consume food high in nutrients are likelier to not perform well in
school than those who do due to lower memory skills caused by the scarcity of nutrition in their
bodies. A notable addition to this theme was also present in the qualitative metasynthesis done by
Cristuta, et al. (2019). Wherein more than half of the research they were able to gather says that
nutrients can directly affect the school performance of Filipino students. A piece of literature
written by Papica (2020) also supports this theme by stating in an article that students with better
nutrition are more likely to attend classes with complete attendance.

Moreover, the themes of proper diet or unhealthy eating habits were also evident in the
studies and literature gathered. Lipayon (2019) stated in a study that if the proper diet were
followed, our intellect would be stimulated, enhancing our cognition. This relates to an article
published by Ahmed, et al. (2021) which states that bad unrecompensed diets can cause our brain
to produce several stress hormones that can affect our brain function in the process. In relation to
eating habits, a research done by Gao, et al. (2021) states that the consumption of breakfast on the
daily is an essential habit that needs to be developed again by many individuals, especially
students who tend to miss breakfast most of the time due to personal errands.

In addition, several types of brain function-beneficial foods are also stated several times
in this study. Fatty fish, eggs, nuts, avocados, broccoli, beans, and legumes were feasible in the
articles written by Bermudez (2022) and Navarrosa (2018). While green-leafy vegetables or
plant-based foods, coffee, and soy were visible in the written literature of Naidoo (2022), Burgess
(2020), and Ashpari (2020)

In summary, the idea of how nutrients affect students' academic performance and brain
function has emerged constantly in several literature and studies gathered by researchers. The
articles and studies suggest that if a student does not get the proper nutrients, it can significantly
impact how they perform in school. Eating habits were also featured, as to how diets affect a
student. Lastly, several examples of brain food were featured in the gathered references. Through
this, the idea of nutrients in the food students eat and the nutrition they absorb significantly affect

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BRAIN BOOSTERS: THE EFFECTS OF BRAIN FOOD… 19

their performance in school is supported. However, not all of the foods out there benefit the brain.
Other foods are better than others when it comes to nutrients that are vital for the brain's better
functioning.

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BRAIN BOOSTERS: THE EFFECTS OF BRAIN FOOD… 20

3.0 Research Methodology

3.1 Research Design

The method that will be used in the study is the quantitative research approach and the
research design that will be used is a non-experimental design utilizing a survey research
technique. A quantitative research method centers on gathering numerical data, it also emphasizes
the goals via measurements, statistical, mathematical, or numerical analysis data gathered from
surveys, polls, and questionnaire. Survey research uses questionnaires to get responses from
respondents. In order to understand the common effects of the respondents and how they tackled
the problem, the researchers will employ a non-experimental design to measure and statistically
analyze the results of the respondents' responses through the given survey questionnaire by the
researchers. Through this process, the researchers expect to know the respondent’s perception
towards the effects of the intake of brain food on their academic performance.

3.2 Research Locale

The data will be gathered from Our Lady of Fatima University - Laguna Campus. The
researchers will be conducting the study in this setting since they took into consideration the
recentness of the institution in Laguna. Along with that, the researchers also took into account the
pool of students in the area and how numerous the amount of students under the STEM strand in
the said institution is, which could strengthen the results of the research that will be conducted.

3.3 Key Informant Selection

The target participants of this study are composed of students from 10 different sections
in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Strand of Our Lady of Fatima -
Laguna during the first semester of the academic year 2022-2023.

The researchers used stratified random sampling to choose their participants. Stratified
random sampling is frequently used in survey research. It is a probability sampling where the
population is split into subgroups or strata, and the samples would be selected randomly from
each stratum. Every stratum is determined based on its homologous characteristics or data.

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BRAIN BOOSTERS: THE EFFECTS OF BRAIN FOOD… 21

(DeYoreo, 2018). The percentage per section is divided by the number of ___ sample sizes and
multiplied by 100 to get the samples of each stratum.

The selection criteria of the participants are based on the Grade 12 students who are
currently enrolled in the field of STEM strand in Our Lady of Fatima - Laguna as they are the
ones who are involved in activities that require knowledge in a broad array of several subjects
that encompasses several academic fields.

3.4 Research Ethics

Research ethics offers recommendations for carrying out research in an ethical manner.
The broad outline of various ethical principles is as follows: This study accurately describes the
data, findings, methods, and status of publications. It did not fabricate, falsify, or misrepresent
any information. This study also protects records, files, papers or grants submitted for
publication, and private correspondence. Third, all forms of intellectual property, such as patents,
copyrights, and others, are respected in this study. Never make use of new processes, information,
or results without authorization. Remembering to credit people fairly. Never use stolen works.
The fourth characteristic is care; avoid carelessness and neglect in this study; carefully and
critically assess colleagues' and personal work. Maintain complete records of research activities.

3.5 Research Instrument

The instrument that will be used to gather information is the closed-ended survey
researcher-made questionnaire. Google Forms would be utilized to formulate the survey
questionnaires that will be used in this study. The test questionnaire is answerable by choosing an
answer on the provided set of choices about the type of brain food consumed by the respondents
and question about their general weighted average. A 4.0 point Likert scale format would also be
present in the test questionnaire to gather numerical data about the respondent’s perception about
the brain food’s effects towards their memory, cognition, and academic performance. According
to Cleave (2021), close-ended, open-ended, and a mix of both can be seen in a survey
questionnaire depending on the needs of the researchers, allowing the researchers to gather either
qualitative or quantitative data. Survey questionnaires also give a better structure to the research.

3.6 Data Collection

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BRAIN BOOSTERS: THE EFFECTS OF BRAIN FOOD… 22

The researchers will conduct a survey with the chosen respondents from STEM 12 in Our
Lady of Fatima University Laguna Campus. A survey questionnaire would be handed out, filled
with a set of questions that are connected to the topic of the research, which will then be
beneficial for the researchers in order for them to examine the data and develop a conclusion out
of it. The researchers will stay in touch with the respondents after receiving their responses and
notify them of the measures that will be done during the making of the research study.

3.7 Data Analysis

The data gathered will be interpreted and analyzed by the researchers through the usage
of the following statistical procedures and tests:

The frequency and percentage distribution were used in summarizing the numerical data
to determine the brain function beneficial food that respondents consume.

The researchers will gather the arithmetic mean to describe how apart their scores are and
descriptive statistics to determine the respondents’ perception about brain food consumption
having a significant effect on their academic performance.

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BRAIN BOOSTERS: THE EFFECTS OF BRAIN FOOD… 23

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OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY SHS DEPARTMENT