MadSci Network: Neuroscience
Query:

Re: do sucking on peppermints, while taking a test, increase test scores?

Date: Thu Feb 15 13:55:43 2001
Posted By: Paulette Caswell, Theoretical Synthesist, Neuroscience Researcher, Ph.D. Candidate
Area of science: Neuroscience
ID: 973185247.Ns
Message:

No, sucking on peppermints does not improve your scores on a test.  In fact, 
the chemical in peppermint actually makes your intelligence level lower, since 
that chemical is a depressant and it makes your body calm down more.  Most of 
the effect of "peppermint candy" is the sugar in the candy.  The sugar will 
make you feel very "energetic" for only a short time, when your blood sugar 
rises.  But after that short period is over, your blood sugar falls fast, and 
it falls below your original blood sugar level.  It is much better to use 
something that keeps your blood sugar at a constant level, such as the proteins 
found in nuts, or the natural fruit sugars in fresh fruits. It is not a good 
idea to suck on, or eat, any kind of candy, during school hours, and it is 
especially a bad idea to eat candy during a test.



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