Why Breakfast Helps With Memory in School
10:55 AM
The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that 20 to 30 percent of teens routinely skip breakfast. Missing this important meal means missing out on improvements in cognitive performance, memory and learning. Teens who don't eat breakfast also have a harder time meeting their nutritional requirements and maintaining a healthy weight.
Energy
Complex carbohydrates at breakfast are an important source of sustained energy. In contrast, simple sugars enter the bloodstream quickly and are soon depleted, leaving you feeling sluggish. Researchers at Tufts University have reported on the relationship between breakfast and cognitive skills in the August 2005 issue of "Physiology and Behavior." In this study, schoolchildren were tested on spatial memory skills after eating oatmeal, a high-sugar cereal or no breakfast at all. Children performed significantly better after a breakfast of oatmeal. Their attention span also increased.
Brain Function
Protein-rich foods have an important role in brain function. These foods provide the amino acids tyrosine and tryptophan, which affect neurotransmitters. Tyrosine affects alertness by acting on the dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters, and tryptophan promotes relaxation. Balancing the pathways of the brain ensures that you start the day feeling focused and ready to learn.
Hunger
Foods that contain protein and fiber make you feel full and satisfied longer. This helps you stay focused on schoolwork and avoid the distraction of a hungry stomach halfway through the morning. Teens who skip breakfast tend to have irregular eating patterns throughout the rest of the day. Hunger in between meals can lead to snacking on junk foods and sets up poor nutrition habits.
What to Avoid
In general, teen biological clocks don't mesh well with school schedules, and this can leave you feeling tired in the early morning. It may be tempting to rely on caffeinated products such as coffee and energy drinks to increase alertness. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics cautions against these foods for teens, because caffeine can raise your blood pressure and heart rate.
Excerpts from “Why Does Breakfast Improve Memory for Teens in School” by Amy Liddell with Livestrong. Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/382377-why-does-breakfast-improve-memory-for-teens-in-school/#ixzz1kP1g5cdW
Best Teen Diets recommends healthy well balanced eating that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and low-fat or fat-free dairy. We offer nutrition information for teens, parents and educators that emphasizes the importance of healthy eating for teens.
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