Ever been tempted to order takeout while studying for exams or working into the night? Then we have some good news. New research has found digging into your favorite dish may actually improve your cognitive skills. Read on to discover some other surprising foods and drinks that can give your brain a boost.

A study by Boston University has found many takeaways contain a common ingredient called choline. This substance can be found in egg-rich foods and could help you score higher marks in memory tests.

One of the UK’s favorite dishes, this Indian curry contains turmeric. A 2014 study in the journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy found the spice helped brain cells grow by 80%. It’s also been linked to treating depression and anxiety.

Lentils are another great option. These little pulses are brimming with Vitamin B to ease fatigue and brain fog. They’re also high in folate (related to folic acid), which helps lower harmful levels of amino acids that can impair brain functioning.

Top of the class when it comes to brain-boosting takeouts, a vegetable stir-fry is loaded with goodness. Opt for one piled with leafy greens, such as a flavorsome chili and ginger stir-fried broccoli and pak choy, proven to slow down mental deterioration.

There are many types of sushi but make sure you choose one with oily fish. Salmon, tuna and mackerel all contain Omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to improved memory and learning.

These Middle Eastern treats are made from deep-fried chickpeas. High in carbohydrates, they will give your brain the slow release of energy it needs to function properly. Chickpeas are also rich in magnesium, which helps transmit messages to the brain.

If you’d rather opt for pizza, choose a Fiorentina. This Italian feast also contain eggs along with plenty of spinach, which has been proven to help brain function.

How about a Neapolitan with added anchovies, olives and capers? These additional toppings will not only give your meal a kick but also contain polyphenols, which help you absorb and retain information.

If you fancy a burger or steak, opt for the grass-fed beef rather than factory-farmed meat. It’s loaded with a type of fatty acid that can reduces stress hormones and promotes blood flow to the brain. Now let’s look at some other brain-boosting foods.

Rosemary has been linked to memory for hundreds of years with Shakespeare's Ophelai proclaiming: "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance." But a recent study by the UK's Northumbria University found pupils in a rosemary-scented room (in the form of essential oils) achieved 5% to 7% better results in memory tests. Unsurprisingly, sales of rosemary oils in the UK have soared.

Avocados are high in monounsaturated (good) fats, which support the neurotransmitters that aid memory and learning. They also contain high levels of folate, which can protect against blood clots. Smash it up and serve it on toast for a great start to the day.

A bowl of porridge is also an ideal breakfast if you need to concentrate well into the afternoon. Like the rest of the body, the brain requires energy to function. Low-GI wholegrains, such as oats, give you the slow release of glucose you need to stay alert.

Alternatively, you could opt for wholegrain toast and peanut butter. Not only will the bread give you the slow energy release needed to keep you mentally alert but nuts are high in Vitamin E, which has been shown to protect brain cells.

A hit of caffeine quickly stimulates a tired brain and makes us alert. If you have a late night of work ahead of you it can be tempting to switch on the kettle, but be warned – too much can leave you feeling anxious.

Did you know three-quarters of your brain is water? So staying hydrated is vital for it to function properly. Not getting enough liquids can reduce your ability to concentrate and impairs short-term and long-term memory. A study by Ohio University found hydrated people scored better on brainpower tests than those not getting enough water. Aim for six to eight glasses of water a day.

Adding some beets to a morning smoothie is an excellent way to increase your intake. Not only are they high in cancer-fighting antioxidants but their natural nitrates increase blood flow to the brain, thereby improving mental performance.

If you have a heavy night of revision ahead you’re probably going to want chocolate. When you do, go for dark chocolate rather than milk. It contains more cocoa, which is full of flavanols that will improve blood flow to the brain and heart.

One of the highest antioxidant-rich foods in the world, blueberries are an excellent study snack as they protect the brain from degeneration and stress. A study by Tufts University in the US found that regular consumption can improve memory or delay short-term memory loss.

Pumpkin seeds aid memory and cognitive function thanks to their high zinc content. They’re also full of magnesium, B vitamins and tryptophan to help reduce stress and improve your mood.

Oily fish such a salmon, trout and mackerel are high in Omega-3 fat fatty acids, proven to improve memory. In fact, a 2011 study by Massey University in New Zealand found it can improve your recall skills by 15%. Salmon has also been linked to reducing ADHD symptoms by improving focus.

Chew gum during an exam and you’ll probably be ask to get rid of it. But it could actually do you some good. Studies have shown chewing gum can sharpen your short-term memory as it increases oxygen flow to parts of the brain that make us pay attention.

A glass of orange juice a day can help increase your mental agility thanks to its high Vitamin C content and antioxidants. A 2015 study by Reading University found adults who drank orange juice every day for eight weeks saw an 8% improvement in cognitive ability.

Broccoli is a brain boosting superfood thanks to its high levels of Vitamin K, which will aid your cognitive function and keep your memory sharp. A study by Kings College London also found broccoli can help reduce the symptoms of degenerative brain conditions including Alzheimer’s Disease.

An ideal snack, walnuts and almonds are high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals proven to improve mental alertness. Their high levels of Vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids can also fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers from the UK's Northumbria University found that drinking peppermint tea improves mood, alertness and long-term memory. The 2016 study also looked at the calming effects of chamomile tea, perfect for any last-minute exam nerves.

For better cognitive function and memory, you may want to swap butter for olive oil. A 2012 study published in the Annals of Neurology found monounsaturated fats – found in olives, avocados and nuts – give the brain a boost, while animals facts have the opposite effect.

Thanks to their powerful antioxidants, tomatoes are great for keeping the brain healthy. They contain the chemical Lycopene, which is known to prevent the kind of free radical damage that can lead to dementia.