Does food help you learn?
As the old saying goes, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” However, according to recent information, having regular meals throughout the day is just as important as eating breakfast in the morning. Dr. J. Larry Brown from Harvard School of Public Health has reported that children who don’t have enough to eat don’t have enough energy to pay attention to what they’re learning, are more likely to be withdrawn, and often have behavior that disrupts other students.
What are brain foods?
Brain foods are foods that are high in vitamins and or nutrients like Vitamin E, Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, calcium, and iron. These are foods that help the brain maintain a healthy structure and increase cognition - which is how well a brain can function. Foods that contain these nutrients include fish, nuts and seeds, fresh vegetables and fruits, and legumes like beans.
What does food do for students?
Students who were given breakfast in a study conducted in Minnesota showed better attendance, better academic performance, increased focus, and improved behavior. Their overall mood increased too, which shows the importance of nutrition in schools.
To help your students thrive, encourage them to eat breakfast before heading off to school, and pack healthy snacks like cheese, pretzels or fruit for them to munch on during the day. If your child is a picky eater, don’t be afraid to combine familiar favorites with more nutritious options, like apples and peanut butter.
