The foods children eat affect their ability to focus, learn and create. We explore the importance of healthy eating for learning below.
Why Is Healthy Eating Important?
The brain runs primarily off glucose. However, much to the dismay of your children, this doesn’t make red frogs and lollipops an adequate fuel source to power them through a day of school and extracurricular activities!
Balance is essential. A balanced diet should include a combination of carbohydrates, fats, and protein for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to prevent blood potential sugar spikes and crashes. These spikes cause moodiness, low energy, and a decrease in concentration which ultimately impacts a child’s ability to focus and learn.
How Nutrition Impacts A Child’s Ability to Learn
Studies suggest that the foods children eat during their preschool years (ages 1-6) are of particular importance as this marks a time for dramatic postnatal development. During this period, neural plasticity and the fundamental acquisition of cognitive development occur including working memory, attention and inhibitory control1. Research indicates that a higher percentage of dietary fat is of benefit in a child’s diet during this time in order to absorb fat-soluble vitamins and minerals and ensure the proper development of cognitive functions.1
Interestingly, several studies indicate that good nutrition and an adequate intake of dietary fat, specifically essential fatty acids (EFA’s), can dramatically decrease symptoms of behavioral disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 2,3. Foods rich in EFA’s include oily varieties of fish such as salmon and sardines, olive oil, avocado and a range of nuts and seeds including walnuts and chia seeds. Conversely, foods that are high in sugar and artificial flavors have been shown to aggravate behavioral disorders2.
The influence of eating breakfast on the behavior of children in school has also been investigated. A study that examined the impact of different glycaemic load meals on the performance of children (aged 6-7 years) found that 2-3hrs after a low glycaemic (GI) breakfast had been consumed, children’s performance on memory tests and their ability to sustain attention were better4. This finding suggests that a low GI breakfast such as porridge, or a wheat bran cereal such as all-bran, may help your child to better focus and learn in school.
The Gut Brain Connection
The gut is dubbed ‘the second brain’. Some research has found that imbalances in the gut can trigger other issues including behavioral upset and a drop to concentration1. The food we eat can influence the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. Eating a diverse diet rich in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains is one of the most effective ways to improve the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. Including pre- and pro-biotic rich foods in the diet such as onion, garlic, banana and yogurt is also thought to be beneficial for digestive health and function too!
Conclusion
Establishing balanced eating habits from an early age is important in order to support your child’s learning. Kids Good Stuff by Nuzest has essential vitamins and minerals and a variety of pre- and probiotics to help fill the nutritional gaps in your child’s diet - all in a yummy drink that kids love! Available in three yummy flavors: Vanilla Caramel, Wild Strawberry, and Rich Chocolate, Kids Good Stuff by Nuzest is gentle on children’s tummies and has all the elements to help set them up for a good day, and good start in life.
Just mix with water or your favorite plant-based milk and shake, shake, shake. Or enjoy in a delicious recipe such as our Wild Strawberry Breakfast Smoothie or Choc-Peanut Bites.
References
- Francisco J. Rosales, Steven Reznick, et al. Understanding the role of nutrition in the brain and behavioural development of toddlers and preschool children. Nutr Neurosci. 2009 Oct; 12(5): 190–202.
- Spears B. ADHD: An inflammatory condition. The link between ADHD, obesity and proper nutrition. Psychology Today, 2011, June 20.
- Milner JA, Allison The role of dietary fat in children nutrition and development. The Journal of Nutrition 1999; 129 11:2094–2105.
- Benton D, Maconie A, Williams C. The influence of the glycaemic load of breakfast on the behaviour of children in school. Physiology & Behaviour 2007; 92:717-724.
- Liang s, Wu X, Jin F. Gut-Brain Psychology: Rethinking Psychology from the microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis, Integr. Neurosci., 11 September 2018
