Have you ever stopped to think about what fuels a child’s br

• Published date: 12 April 2024
• Author: Alexander Molteno, PRINCIPAL, Llandudno Primary School
• Publication title: Sentinel News

It’s easy to overlook, but the truth is, the food kids eat has a big impact on how well they do in class

Nowadays, we’re finding out more and more that good nutrition is key not just for a healthy body, but also for a sharp mind.

As parents and teachers, it’s important for us to pay attention to this and make sure our children are eating in a way that helps them learn better.

Let’s talk about one of the biggest problems in learners’ diets: too much sugar.

While most of us know that eating a lot of sugar isn’t great for our health, causing things like obesity and diabetes, many don’t realise it can also make learning harder.

Research has shown that too much sugar can mess with our ability to remember things and make it tougher for us to learn new information. Imagine a child eating a chocolate bar right before trying to do their homework.

It might seem

like it gives them a boost, but in reality, it does not and fruits or vegetables are much better for their brain.

The average child eats way more sugar than they should, which is concerning when you think about how this can slow down their brain.

Studies have found that an overload of sweetness doesn’t just make it hard to form new memories, but it also ups the risk for long-term issues like dementia.

So, when we’re reaching for that extra sweetie, it’s worth thinking about the effect it might have on our brains.

But it’s not just about cutting down on sugar. Our kids need a diet that’s balanced, one that’s good for their brains

and helps them focus in school.

This means eating foods that are packed with nutrients they need, like iron and vitamins, which help them think clearly and learn.

Children who eat well tend to be healthier overall, which means they miss fewer days of school...