Does Eating Fast Food Make You Stupid?

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Another study, conducted at the University of London, came to the same conclusion. In this study, more than 4,000 children from Scotland, between the ages of 3 and 5 were looked at to determine if there were any differences between children who consumed fast food and those that were cooked homemade meals from scratch using fresh ingredients. Scientists found that the more fast food children ate, the lower their test scores were, even after adjusting for income or social status. Researchers came to the conclusion of this study that diet can have long lasting effects on the IQs of children.

Still another study, this time out of Australia, that was performed in 2012, showed that toddlers who ate high quantities of junk foods and fast foods had much low IQ scores than those who did not eat these foods. This study, done at the University of Adelaide, studied the eating habits of 7,000 children. Their habits examined at 6 months, 15 months, and 2 years of age. These same children were examined again at 8 years of age and it was found that those who ate the largest quantities of junk foods had IQs 2 points lower than those who ate more wholesome, natural diets.

For good brain function and growth, the body needs a healthy source of iron. You can get these from a diet that is mainly plant based. Nuts, seeds, and beans, such as pumpkin seeds, lentils, and white beans are also good sources of iron.

It is true that in today’s modern life, parents are busier than ever before. However, providing your children with proper nutrition is just as important as any after school sport, or stint of overtime. With a little planning, you can cook healthy, iron-rich meals for your family.

Also, as children get older, they become more independent and begin to buy their own food at school or at local stores. So although it might be impossible to keep your child from eating any junk or fast food, you can greatly cut down on their consumption by cooking most meals at home and not bringing junk food, such as potato chips, candy, sugary cereals, and cookies. Keep containers of healthy snacks such as nuts, seeds, and whole grain crackers in cabinets where kids can easily reach them. Encourage your children to eat fresh fruit as “dessert” rather than snack cakes or cookies. If your children reject these foods and ask for junk or fast food, they aren’t really hungry.

References:

Newswise.com

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