As you prepare for finals, remember that one of the key thingsto aid concentration is breakfast.

For years, we have been told to eat breakfast before major teststo get the brain juices flowing. But why stop there? The facts arethat there are numerous reasons to eat breakfast including thepossibility of living longer. According to the American HeartAssociation, eating breakfast can help many people manage theirweight and may help curb binge eating.

According to Jeff Hampl, professor of nutrition at Arizona StateUniversity in Mesa and an American Dietetic Association spokesman,breakfast eaters also tend to have a better attitude towardschool.

“I feel more energized and productive on days I eatbreakfast than on days I don’t,” senior broadcastjournalism major Melissa Knowles said.

Scientists and nutritionists have preached diet and exercise arethe keys to a long and healthy life. According to a Resea GeorgiaCentenarian study people who live to the 100 have all stated thatthey enjoy breakfast on regular basis.

However, at 19 and 20, not too many are concerned with eatingbreakfast as a way to increase their longevity.

First-year marketing major Lauren Driskell rarely eatsbreakfast.

“If it fits into my schedule, I’ll eat it,”Driskell said. “I usually don’t get up early enough toeat breakfast.”

Older students who have probably met their two-hour wellnessrequirement know the benefits of the first meal of the day.

“A benefit to eating breakfast is that it gets yourmetabolism started and gets the brain workingproperly,” said Danielle Capper, a sophomore businessand broadcast journalism major.

The Journal of the American College of Nutrition says those thateat breakfast have a higher intake of essential vitamins andminerals and lower cholesterol levels.

But before you get up and grab that doughnut or cold pizza,there is some data that it is what you eat and not just that youeat. The International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition showedthat people who eat cereal every day reported feeling better bothphysically and mentally.

Leslie Smith, a senior psychology major and member of thewomen’s rowing team, eats breakfast daily.  “Iusually have cafeteria food, an omelet, cereal and fruit,”Smith said.

“It helps maintain healthy eating habits and it isimportant for my training. It helps keep a constant level of energyin my body,” she said.