While food can affect the memory and help you to keep your brain cells healthier, does a school lunch actually help kids to learn better? Studies have found that it does.
Cardiologist Dr Arthur Agatston did a 2 year study, which found the academic performance quality increased when children ate quality food during their lunchtime.
The progress of around 1200 students was followed in the studies. The students agreed to take part in the Healthier Options for Public School Children, which is a program which helps to feed low income kids. Agatson’s study found that children were malnourished even though they were actually overfed and overweight. In a report U.S. News World Report, Agatson said, “Many kids — while overfed — are literally malnourished… This wasn’t a diet. We weren’t having them count calories or anything like that. We just offered kids wholesome food — meaning there was less saturated fat, no trans fats, and more whole grains and fruits and vegetables.”
The investigation teams presented their report to the Obesity Society and the results have been outstanding. Not only did the student participants lower their blood pressure and weight, but they also felt better and had more energy. Their math and science grades were also increased. Prior to the study, students had felt worn out and groggy in classes after lunch; following the study, however, these classes were not difficult anymore. They showed increased energy and a marked improvement for their school work.
Likewise another study which was done found that students who were given homemade lunches or who typically carried their lunches with them were far more likely to be normal weight and also to have better grades overall. Generally, the packed lunches included some type of sandwich, a fresh vegetable, like carrots and dip or another type, along with a treat. Typically, parents who spend time in the morning packing a more nutritious lunch for the children see higher grades in school and also have children that are less prone to obesity.
Another study in Canada about 6 years ago surveyed around five thousand students found that nutrition directly impacted academic performance. It was certainly proven by our research that quality nutrition and higher grades have a very clear-cut link.
Not only will a poor diet or unsound nutrition during lunch cause problems for the children health wise along with academically, but it also appears to cause problems with attendance. All the students who took part within the healthier lunches demonstrated improvements with their attendance and grades.
School lunches make an impact in the lives of children. It’s being slowly proven they not only help children to remain healthier or attain a new degree of health, but to achieve new academic goals that will propel the child to greater heights.
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