- A new study in the United Kingdom found higher fruit and vegetable intake is strongly linked to better mental health in secondary schoolchildren.
- The study authors wrote that they hope their research will encourage officials to make good nutrition available to all students.
- To explore whether dietary choices may be linked to mental health, the researchers used surveys from more than 50 schools in the U.K. In total, nearly 11,000 students completed the survey.
New research is showing that a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables can also be good for the mind, especially if you’re a growing kid.
Research published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health shows that higher fruit and vegetable intake is strongly linked to better mental health in secondary schoolchildren. Furthermore, the research shows a nutritious breakfast and lunch are associated with emotional well-being, no matter your age.
“It is nice to see research that focuses on children, good nutrition, and its effects on mental health. There seems to be more stress and anxiety in children now, especially with the pandemic and being home for so long away from their peers and family,” said Audrey Koltun, RDN, CDCES, CDN, who specializes in pediatric endocrinology at Cohen Children’s Medical Center of NY.
Source: healthline