Kids advised to eat smart to help studies

Children who eat a nutritious diet are more likely to perform well at examinations, new research has shown.

According to the School Food Trust, school staff noted some pupils turned up so stressed to exams they were in no fit state to sit the tests and food could be the solution.

A healthy diet has a direct affect on a child's ability to study and snacking on sugary treats is not an advisable way to maintain concentration during revision.

Students are aware that certain foods such as fish and fruit could help them study, although they prefer to nibble on chocolate (42 per cent), fizzy drinks (33 per cent) and biscuits (31 per cent), while one in four (26 per cent) chose caffeine-laden energy drinks, the study found.

Prue Leith, celebrity chef and School Food Trust chair, noted children perform better when not eating junk food and advised they take a healthy choice if they want more energy.

"Making that choice and sticking with it, especially come exam time, could be the difference between success and failure," she said.

Researchers at the University of Manchester have backed up the widely made claims that fish is a useful brain food. Its recent review noted that the food's high level of vitamin D is good for the brain.



Published On 23/06/2009