Scientists have shown better mental well-being in students who eat more plant-based foods throughout the day. In addition, their study results show positive effects of theConsumption of fruits and vegetablesas dietary habits on cognitive health. This was particularly true for children in secondary school who consumed five or more servings daily.
Why plant-based nutrition is important for students and their mental well-being
According to the study authors, developing nutrition strategies in schools could contribute to children's mental health. Additionally, a plant-based diet can optimize students' cognitive abilities and empower children to reach their full potential. Poor mental wellbeing is a major problem for young people today and can have long-term negative consequences. The influence of social media and modern school culture have been identified as potential reasons for an increasing prevalence of impaired cognition in children and adolescents. The research team therefore set out to investigate the connection between dietary choices and mental health in school children. The children involved in the study self-reported their eating habits. They also took age-appropriate mental well-being tests covering happiness, relaxation and good interpersonal relationships.
The scientists found that only about a quarter of school children eat the recommended daily fruits and vegetables. Almost one in ten children ate neither fruit nor vegetables. The team found that the type of breakfast and lunch was also significantly associated with well-being. Children who ate a traditional breakfast felt better than those who only consumed a snack or drink. Students who drank energy drinks with breakfast had particularly low mental well-being scores. This is concerning and is likely to affect not only academic performance but also physical growth and development. As a potentially changeable factor on an individual and societal levelthis studyrepresents an important public health target for strategies to improve children's mental well-being.
