Healthy Foods Linked to Higher IQ

The benefits of eating a healthy diet is a common topic of research studies, with many results pointing towards numerous and varied physical benefits.  Although experts disagree on what, exactly, is the very healthiest diet, there is general agreement that junk food, sodas, sugary drinks, sweets, fried foods, etc., aren’t good for your physical health.  The vast majority of nutritional experts also agree that increasing our intake of fruits and vegetables is a very positive step for our physical health.  But the latest news comes from a University in Australia, where a large, recent study has found mental health benefits from healthy nutrition in children, as well.  Specifically, they connected those healthy diets to a higher IQ!

Researchers studied babies and toddlers from 6 months to 24 months of age.  They tracked the nutritional intake of the children in those early formative years, and then followed up again when the children were 8 years old.  Researchers found a small but measurable difference in IQ between those children who ate a healthy diet early on and those who ate a diet with significant cookies, sodas, and other junk foods.  Eating a healthful diet and avoiding regular sweets/junk was associated with higher IQ!

So, even though the sweets may taste great, and even though children may ask (or tantrum!) for them, parents now have one more reason to stick to their guns and serve a balanced and healthy diet.

More information on this study is available here: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/news/news55161.html

5 Foods to Avoid with Children:

1. Sodas – including diet sodas. The average can of soda (including Sprite) has the equivalent of TEN spoonfuls of sugar
2. Fruit juice and sports drinks – loaded with sugar and has very little nutritional content
3. Processed foods – chicken nuggets, frozen pizza, mac and cheese and all packaged foods
4. Sugary cereals
5. Cookies and chips – nothing beats fresh fruit for a snack

Share below in our Comments box healthy meals, snacks and beverages your kids enjoy!