We Feel What We Eat?

We’ve heard it a thousand times before – “you are what you eat.”   But here’s a new one – “we feel what we eat.”  A recent study by The Norfolk Children in the United Kingdom found that higher levels of fruit and vegetables were associated with high mental well-being scores.

Researchers collected data from over 50 different schools – over 10,800 children – and found that many students were skipping some meals entirely.  Four out of thirty tended to have no meal at all in the morning.   A mere 25% ate 5 fruits and vegetables a day, and 10% ate none at all.  In fact, the mental well-being scores of kids who skipped breakfast or lunch were on the same scale as those who have witnessed trauma in the home.

Children’s well being can contribute to better results with their education, better decision making, and an advantage when it comes to building and maintaining friendships.  It also provides benefits in coping with stressors and becoming well rounded adults.  Further study is still needed as to why fruits and vegetables cause these changes, but in the meantime: we can try to limit the twinkie intake, and get our sugar from natural sources.