Nutrition and learning abilities are inseparable and complement to each other. How many times we might have heard of the slogan, eat better, learn better? Which says about the importance of eating good food. However, there is a conflicting opinion about eating adequate food improves the ability to learn things faster or is it a hindrance ,because, many parents think that overcharging the child`s stomach is way to encourage lethargy. Eating balanced diet in a timely manner is undoubtedly an important aspect to boost our brains, it is not just for children but for everyone. A better nutritional status is a prerequisite for a better health, and parents should definitely encourage their kids to eat healthy and balanced, no matter whatever their economic status is. Existing research data advocates that, better the nutrition, better is their ability to learn. Surveys have proved that students tend to have fewer absences apart from improving their behaviors, confidence levels when they are fed as per the standards. Let us delineate how can better nutrition promotes learning and what are some tips to do so.
Nutrition and brain function
This is the area of concern as many of us still in a state of confusion as to which foods to promote and in what way each nutrient influence on the brain. Nevertheless, many studies proved that nutritional status and the cognitive skills are closely linked. Deficiencies such minerals like iron, iodine, and zinc vitamins such as thiamine, vitamin E, vitamin B, have proved enormous uses by boosting memory as they stimulate the neutrons in the brain .Furthermore, amino acids and carbohydrate supplementation provides necessary energy or the brain, eyes, ears and the whole body because each and every part of the body is involved in learning either directly or indirectly.
Diet, behavior and the Learning environments
Nutritious diet improves mood, stability and a positive attitude which are necessary to attend school regularly. As improvements in nutrition make students healthier, they are least likely to be absent for the classes due to sickness. It also helps to create a positive energy in the learners which brings in a vibe in the class rooms. One of the example of how diet and negatively impact the behaviors is by understanding a bit on the troubles caused by artificial food colors on the brain. Use of artificial agents in food has been a controversial issue for decades. Nevertheless, a review found that artificial food colors can invariably affect the coordination in the brain which is the main cause of over-active, inattentive and impulsive behaviors .The condition is diagnosed as ADHD.
Poor diet, lack of energy and focus
Many health organizations and research boards have clearly reported that the diets that boosts brain power such as carbs, vitamins and minerals play major role in the student`s overall growth. Conversely, foods that have high levels of saturated fats impair learning and memory. Excess of fats not only impair the brain power but they directly affects the heart, blood vessels, stomach. Excess of these foods can impair the digestion and absorption of nutrients. As the junk culture is dominating, junk foods containing fats, artificial colors and flavors are made available for kids at a cheaper price. Stuffs including, pizza, sugary desserts, cheeseburgers, French fries, chicken nuggets, affect the health in many ways. Eating these stuffs can weaken bones by adding on more body weight which is generally called childhood obesity.
Some dietary tips to parents
1. Low blood sugar levels due to deficiency of carbohydrates can negatively affect the hippocampus which plays a central role in learning. Kid`s brain needs almost every nutrients but more predominantly the glucose. Parents should never ignore the fact that brains utilizes 40% of our total calorie intake which necessitates the timely and adequate feeding of diets containing healthy carbs. Additionally, healthy proteins, some vitamins and minerals aforementioned in accordance with ages can do great.
2. Adequate proteins are essential for the growth and development of each cell including the neurons. Proteins help in the synthesis of dopamine and norepinephrine that significantly affect the thinking, reaction time, and working memory.
3. Always stress on drinking enough water. This is supposed to be the first point to remind every parent. There is nothing wrong if a child drinks as many liters of water as possible because excess water can never harm the brains while dehydration can.