New Delhi: Are your children picky eaters? And are more likely to eat junk and packaged food? Then this habit of theirs can significantly influence their academic performance. A diet that lacks essential nutrients can negatively affect the development and functioning of the brain. Read the article to discover the connecting link between nutrition and academic performance in children.
While talking about the importance of nutrition for children, Dt. Inshara Mahedvi, Consultant- Dietician, Motherhood Hospital, Pune, said, “One’s dietary choices speak a lot about their overall health. So, if you are children and are more drawn to unhealthy and packaged foods then it may not be a good sign. Nutrition plays a crucial role when it comes to your little one’s academic performance. Foods that are fried, packaged, and processed like fries, burgers, pizza, pasta, samosa, chips, Sev puri, panipuri, cupcakes, biscuits, pastries, candies, cheese sandwiches, and donut can not only affect their physical health but also their ability to perform well in their school. These dietary habits often lead to a lack of essential nutrients in the body. Nutrients are essential for the growth and development of the children. This is why it becomes crucial for parents to encourage their children to make healthy food choices that contain essential nutrients in abundance. This can help strengthen their brain while improving the functioning of their brain.”
The important role of nutrients in your children’s academic performance
- Improved mood and behavioral patterns: Eating a diet that is well-balanced and jam-packed with essential nutrients can help improve their mood. This can make them less cranky and moody. Their meals should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lentils. This can help their brain produce chemicals that are responsible for influencing their mood levels.
- Better immune system: Nutrient-rich foods can help strengthen their immune system. A healthy immune system is equivalent to reduced sick days for your children. Staying frequently ill can highly impact their academic performance along with their physical well-being. A parent should try feeding their kids nutrients like vitamins C and D. These nutrients can be easily found in a variety of fruits and vegetables.
- Brain development: Eating nutrient-rich foods is vital for the optimal growth and functioning of the brain. Your kid’s brain is more likely to develop especially in their childhood. This is why it becomes necessary to include the right nutrients in their daily meals. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids can help build brain cells. According to the studies, this particular nutrient is significantly known to improve your little one’s memory skills resulting in better learning. This can be found in nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
- Concentration and focus: The key to learning effectively is to concentrate well. If your children are unable to concentrate on their academic syllabus for a longer duration then they are more likely to miss various chapters and crucial information. This often leads to them struggling to keep up with their studies. Nutrients like iron and protein are optimal for improving their brain health. These nutrients can be found in a variety of foods like lentils, beans, spinach, nuts, and dairy products. Daily intake of protein can help stabilize their sugar levels whereas; iron can help transfer oxygen-rich blood to the brain.
