How Food Affects Learning

Every parent wants to do what’s best for their children. Yet, when it comes to food, there are so many conflicting messages and parents are often so pressed for time that it can be a challenge to know what’s good and what should stay on the store shelves.

The link between eating breakfast and a healthy balanced diet as beneficial for a child’s general development and to maintain good health is well established. That means less reliance on refined, processed foods and greater emphasis on wholesome, real foods. Fortunately, you don’t have to be an expert to feel comfortable about feeding your kids properly.

Protein, carbohydrates, fat, and water are considered macronutrieints as they all play a key role in keeping us healthy. The neurotransmitters in the brain are made from amino acids found in foods that contain protein – meat, fish, poultry, eggs and cheese. There are also many good vegetarian protein sources like nuts and seeds, especially hemp, protein powders, beans and lentils.

Carbohydrate foods like grains, fruits and vegetables provide fuel for the brain. When digested, carbs are converted to glucose. It is important to keep glucose levels from fluctuating too significantly. This is one of the reasons that whole grains be consumed as they contain fibre that slows digestion. Whole grains and fruits and vegetables also provide other important vitamins and minerals. Refined carbs are the ones to avoid as they tend to be high in sugars, that spike blood glucose levels too radidly, while low in the nutrients our bodies need to function properly. Kids with low blood glucose often display apathy or disinterest in classroom activites.

Half of the brain is made up of fat, which influences memory and mood. Though it’s important to limit children’s intake of fat to counter obesity they need enough of the good fats for brain function. Omega 3 fatty acids found primarily in fish, hemp and flax seeds is particularly significant for brain function. Hydrogenated and trans fats are the main ones to avoid. Unfortunately, much of the processed foods targetted at kids contain some form of unhealthy fats.

Water is often overlooked as a vital part of a healthy diet. Yet it is inexpensive and does not contain the added sugars that some juices and other drinks are notorious for.  Water helps to flushes toxins and transports nutritents throughout the body, including the brain.  As such, adequate water intake is needed for concentration and alertness.

Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that perform vital functions in our bodies. Vitamins promote and facilitate chemical reactions so they help every system work more efficiently. Minerals help metabolize the food we eat so we are able to absorp their goodness.

And since we already know that breakfast is such an important meal, it’s crucial that kids start the day with a healthy balanced breakfast that contains all the key nutrients.  Ensuring that other meals and snacks throughout the day are balanced is also a smart practice.

Of course, a healthy diet also helps to reduce the risk of developing diet-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers. So you see there are many good reasons to pay attention to what our kids are eating.

Louise Racine is a certified nutritional practitioner, retreat owner, educator and cookbook author.  Visit her website for more nutrition tips and recipes. You can also reach her at louise@thirteenmoons.ca or 1-888-326-7326.