There have been only a few studies done between a child's level of success relative to their diet. For instance, a study was done on students' performance in school with their typical diet, and their performance was measured after a period of being on a diet rich in whole food fruits and vegetables. The results were positively significant enough that every school should follow the same plan. (Yet there's no money to be received when fruits and vegetables are in vending machines and not soft drinks.)
Now there is another study that shows a link between unhealthy foods - particularly sugary ones - and the incidence of violence in children. This certainly supports that theory that health exists on many levels and a healthy diet has a ripple effect on many areas of life! Here's more from BBC News --
Children who eat sweets and chocolate every day are more likely to be violent as adults, according to UK researchers.
The Cardiff University study involving 17,500 people is the first into effects of childhood diet on adult violence. It found 10-year-olds who ate sweets daily were significantly more likely to have a violence conviction by age 34.
Researchers suggested they had not learnt to delay gratification, but other experts said already "difficult" children might be given more sweets.
The researchers looked at data on around 17,500 people and found that 69% of the participants who were violent at the age of 34 had eaten sweets and chocolate nearly every day during childhood, compared to 42% who were non-violent.
Delinquents
This link between confectionery consumption and later aggression remained even after controlling for other factors such as parenting behaviour, the area where the child lived, not having educational qualifications after the age of 16 and whether they had access to a car when they were 34.
The researchers put forward several explanations for the link including the idea that the confectionery makes the adult addicted to certain additives and that these may contribute towards adult aggression.
The study was reported in the British Journal of Psychiatry.
Stunted learning
Dr Simon Moore, who led the study, has carried out previous research on young offenders.
He was aware that they tend to have very poor diets including lots of confectionery - but was intrigued to find the link.
He said: "Our favoured explanation is that giving children sweets and chocolate regularly may stop them learning how to wait to obtain something they want.
"Not being able to defer gratification may push them towards more impulsive behaviour, which is strongly associated with delinquency. (Read more...)
Comments: Sugar is one of the silent killers in our society. Not so much as a substance on its own, but in the quantity consumed. Simple sugars and high fructose corn syrup are used in so many consumables. This isn't the bad part, though. The bad part is the choice to consume such unhealthy foods in such high quantities. Certain types of sugars can be addictive and over time can wreak havoc on the body's health. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables where natural sugars exist in the juice of those foods, and you won't have a problem with your attitude, your weight, or your overall health.
Dr. JP Havey
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