Good Grades with Healthy Diets

There may be more links between our eating habits and our performance in school than we originally thought. As children, most of us had it drilled into our heads
at school that beginning the day with a balanced breakfast, and eating healthy throughout the day, was essential for excelling in our studies. Whether or not we believed it as children, it holds true even as we grow older, and go on to pursue higher education.

What Does the Data Say?

Studies have confirmed the link between healthy diets and better academic performance. Unfortunately, only about 5% of US college students adhere to the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables.

Throughout the years, researchers have studied children to research the link between dietary choices, physical fitness, and academic performance. The findings have been fairly conclusive: students who maintained healthier eating habits tended to perform better in just about every measurable way: from reading to mathematics, the fitter students outperformed the less fit ones.

What Foods Are Best?

For some of us, “healthy” is a subjective term – so how can we choose what foods to eat? The Food Guide Pyramid is a great tool, but knowing the “why” behind it will help to better inform our choices. Here are the highlights:

– Fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining focus and mental clarity.

– Vegetables, particularly “cruciferous” vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage, aid in memory retention.

– Berries can help to reduce the toxins in your bloodstreams and improve blood flow to the brain.

– Whole grains, unlike the refined carbs in pasta and white bread, can provide long-lasting energy and support neurological functioning.