Finish your vegetables

A study published on September 28, 2021, by the University of East Anglia found that children who eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables experience a better mental wellbeing. The study is the first study investigating associations between fruits and vegetables, meal choices, and the mental wellbeing of schoolchildren in the UK. The study reinforces the belief that the intake of more fruits and vegetables is linked to an increase in the wellbeing of secondary school children. It showed that the children whose intake included five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily scored highest in wellbeing.

The team doing the research concluded that the school policies along with public health strategies should be developed in a manner that assures quality nutrition is available before and during school. This would optimize the children’s mental wellbeing.

There is a growing recognition of the significance of mental health early in life. These problems often carry on into adulthood. This study’s purpose was to investigate the dietary and mental wellbeing association.

9000 students were included in the study which was commissioned by the Public Health Department of Norfolk County Council and the Norfolk Safeguarding Children Board. The students self-reported their food choices while participating in tests of wellbeing. These tests covered relaxation, relationships, and more.

The study found that the types of breakfast and lunch eaten by the students were associated with their wellbeing. Those who consumed a full breakfast scored higher in wellbeing versus those who had a snack or a drink and those who consumed energy drinks scoring lower than children who did not consume breakfast at all.

Lastly, the study also found that nutrition impacted the children's wellbeing factors as much or more than violence or arguing at home did.

References:

University of East Anglia. (2021, September 28). Children who eat more fruit and veggies have better mental health. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 4, 2021, from ://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210928075004.htm.