A 2011 study found that toddlers who ate a nutrient-rich diet full of fruits and vegetables had higher IQ scores compared to the toddlers who consumed processed foods full of fat and sugar. The foods eaten had a dramatic long term effect on the toddlers’ brain function.
Nutrition plays an important role in brain development from birth to adolescence. While the brain grows fastest in the early years of life, it continues to develop throughout adolescence. As such, a high nutrient diet is important to ensure adequate brain development.
Begin before Birth
Mothers who take care of their own nutrition, fitness and wellbeing during pregnancy are already giving their unborn children a head start in life. Breastfeeding mothers eating a high nutrient diet pass the nutrients on to their children, improving their children’s cognitive development and overall health. In fact, children who are breastfed for at least six months have higher IQ scores than children who are raised on formula. Once solid foods are introduced, greater consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with higher IQ and better memory skills when children reach 4 years of age. In school-age children, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, as well as increased cholesterol intake have been linked to diminished intelligence and poor academic performance.
What Should Your Child Be Eating?
Good Nutrition Lays the Foundation for Learning
Children need all the building blocks of good nutrition: protein, carbohydrates and fats. Helping children make healthier food choices is an essential part of their education and well-being. Simple carbohydrates and refined foods will cause sugar highs, a lack of focus and concentration. Healthy foods fuel the brain, enabling children to be more attentive and able to enjoy learning.
Helen Doron English introduces a series of 5 blog posts to help parents lay the very best foundation for their child’s learning. These posts highlight everyday activities to do with your child. From colouring, to music, healthy eating tips and even positive encouragement, these are simple tips that can make a big difference!
Il nuovo anno scolastico è alle porte ed è tempo di fare le scelte migliori…
Se vuoi che tuo figlio si diverta imparando allora i nostri Centro Estivo incentrati sul potenziamento della…
Vi informiamo che secondo il calendario scolastico 2023 saremo anche noi chiusi da giovedì 6 aprile al…
Grazie al sondaggio a cui avete risposto qualche tempo fa possiamo migliorare sempre di più…
Siamo giunti all'ottava edizione dell'English Theatre Summer Camp, il centro estivo residenziale interregionale organizzato dai centri Helen…
Il progetto Quest’anno abbiamo avviato tante nuove collaborazioni con varie scuole del territorio, tra cui quella…