The Role of Nutrition and Physical Activity in Academic Achievement

Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity not only cause children to be overweight, they also lead to lower academic achievement. Studies have shown that when a child's basic nutritional and fitness needs are met, they attain higher academic achievement levels.

Nutrition

Students with little protein in their diet tend to have the lowest academic achievement scores. Students who are iron deficient (i.e. who don't eat enough leafy greens, grains, and legumes) tend to feel tired more often and have difficulty with concentration. In addition, young children who grow up with poor nutrition score low on academic tests such as reading comprehension, vocabulary and mathematics later on. The reason is that nutrition plays a significant role in brain development during the brain's most formative years.

Furthermore, skipping meals, such as breakfast, can have a negative effect on brain performance, even among healthy, well-nourished children! The reason is that eating a nutritious breakfast provides children with the energy and nutrients necessary to concentrate, behave better and be more alert. This will in turn cause children to miss fewer days of school, have better problem-solving skills, and be more physically active.

As such, providing your child with a nutritious breakfast is an important part of academic nourishment. A nutritious breakfast consists of whole grains (i.e. whole grain cereal, toast, bagels), low fat protein (peanut butter, eggs, lean meat), low fat dairy (yogurt, milk, cheese) and fruits and vegetables.

Physical Activity

While nutrition plays an important part in academic success, it is not the only factor. Inactive children tend to perform worse on academic tests. The reason is that physical activity exercises not only the body, but also the brain. Studies show that cardiovascular exercise, such as running, swimming or playing sports, can help improve memory function by strengthening certain areas of the brain. Overall, students who have higher fitness scores tend to have higher academic scores.

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