There is an inextricable link between the physical, emotional and mental health of students and their academic success. While schools are generally concerned with the students' mental prowess and academic ability, common sense and experience tell us that good nutrition, good health and education go hand in hand. That's why it's desirable to have well-rounded schools, where children experience a secure environment and a healthy lifestyle.

At the heart of all we do, central to our very existence, are our eating habits. What we eat sets the tone for our mood, our physical strength, our lifestyle and our long-term physical health. In children the link between diet and good health is ever more critical. Children's bodies are developing and require healthy foods to ensure current and future good health -- what they eat as children will be the foundation upon which their health will rest as adults.

Emotionally, a well-fed child is a peaceful one. Studies have proven that children who are obese are often afflicted emotionally, socially, physically and academically. Studies have also proven that children who don't eat, or eat foods high in sugars and/or low in nutritional value are more disruptive in class, less focused on their studies, and more aggressive in their demeanors.

Finally, it's also well-known within the medical community that certain foods -- fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and monounsaturated fats are health-giving foods. These foods build healthy constitutions and keep the mind focused and peaceful. Other foods, especially those that are not fresh and alive, that are high in pesticides and hormones, that are high in excess saturated fat, sodium and refined sugars -- particularly meat, dairy and junk foods -- are linked with cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, food poisoning and other serious, life-threatening illness.

The question is, what kind of foods should your students be eating?

 

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