Recent studies have found a link between physical fitness and academic performance in children. Studies have also shown that children, who eat breakfast daily, do better in school. But there's surprisingly little research focused on the link between a child's overall diet and his or her performance in school.
Dr. Paul J. Veugelers of the University of Alberta in Edmonton and his colleagues have recently completed such a study. Their findings are published in the April, 2008, issue of the Journal of School Health. They studied the eating habits of 4,600 Nova Scotia 5th graders, noting that about 20% of them had failed the standard 5th grade reading test.
The findings indicate that healthy eating habits were associated with significantly better test scores. The healthy habits turned out to be a quality diet, adequate amounts of food, variety of food, plenty of fruits and vegetables, enough protein, enough fiber and getting fewer calories from fat. The results held even after adjusting the data for the effects of household income, parental education, school, and gender.
As parents, we all want our children to have the advantages and opportunities of a good education. Healthy wholefood snacks can be a big part of your solution. Next time you find yourself on the snack isle at the grocery, pass up the processed snack foods. It can make a significant difference in your child's life on so many levels.
**This article was provided by the fine folks at Whole Food Farmacy who want us all to "Enjoy the Principles of Health".
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