How Does Healthy Food Affect Test Scores Of Students?

It's no surprise that a healthful diet is beneficial for your body physically, but more and more studies are revealing that it also beneficial for you mentally. A nutritious and balanced diet gives your brain the energy and nutrients its needs to function at optimal capacity, and when you have a healthy brain your cognitive performance and mental stability improve as a result. It is for this reason that children who eat a balanced diet often receive better test scores than children who don't.

Increases Ability to Concentrate

Eating a healthful breakfast can improve children's test scores because it provides them with a constant stream of energy that increases the brain's ability to concentrate. Eating a poor breakfast or nothing at all often leads to drowsiness and daydreaming, which can hinder their learning experience while at school. An ideal breakfast consists of whole grains, fiber and protein and is low in sugar.

Strengthens Neuron Signals within the Brain

Flavonoids are compounds found in fruits and vegetables and play a crucial role in improving brain function. According to nutritionist James Joseph, in an article from the Seattle Pi, flavonoids that are found in fruits like blueberries strengthen neuron signals in the brain, which leads to better memory and cognitive performance. Children with healthy brain function are able to retain and apply information much better and apply it to test taking.

Reduces Student Absenteeism

Missing school is one problem that can lead to lower test scores. In a study done by the North Carolina Child Health Assessment and Monitoring Program, children who missed two or more weeks of school were more likely to obtain C's, D's and F's than students who missed less than two weeks. A healthful diet can counter illness, and absenteeism due to illness, because it gives children strong immune systems and more means for fighting off diseases and sickness. As a result, children won't miss school as much and will be more likely to receive better test scores.

The Results

Today, there are many studies concluding the correlation between a healthful diet and improved test scores. One high-profile example is that of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and his work in London. The "Guardian News" reports that after Oliver changed the menu of schools in Greenwich London, students' academic performance improved. These studies have ignited somewhat of a revolution with parents and teachers requesting more healthful foods be served to their children.