When it comes to our kids, what we put on their plates goes far beyond just filling their stomachs. The food we give them directly affects how well they perform in school, how they feel, and how they grow. Why? Because food isn’t just fuel—it’s information that speaks to their bodies at a cellular level. Every bite can influence their mood, energy levels, behaviour, brain function, and learning abilities.
We often think of our genes as the blueprint for our health, but the truth is, that our lifestyle, including what we eat, plays an even bigger role. The food we consume can turn certain genes on or off, meaning that our health is more in our control than we might think. The right food choices can keep us healthy, while the wrong ones can lead to illness.
So, how does this work? The nutrients in our food provide the essential information our bodies need to function properly.
These nutrients enable our cells to perform their necessary tasks, keeping our bodies running smoothly. But when our diet lacks essential nutrients, the consequences can be severe.
Take the Western Diet, for example. It’s high in processed fats, refined sugars, and additives, but low in the nutrients our bodies crave. Research has shown time and time again that this way of eating negatively impacts children’s behaviour and learning abilities. Many kids today, especially in developed countries, are eating plenty of calories but are still malnourished because their diets are missing key nutrients. This phenomenon, known as malnourishment, means we’re feeding our children food that is high in calories but low in nutritional value.
Highly processed foods like chips, snacks, and sausages have been altered from their natural state, stripping them of their nutritional value. For instance, canned vegetables often lose their vitamin C during processing. Additives are then used to improve taste and shelf life, but these can pose health risks, especially for children with different levels of immunity and unique biological makeups.
Now, let’s talk about the gut-brain axis—a fascinating and complex network that connects the microorganisms in our stomachs with our nervous system and brain.
Our brain requires a steady supply of high-quality fuel, which comes from the food we eat. Whole foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are particularly beneficial, as they protect the brain from oxidative stress, a damaging process caused by the body’s use of oxygen.
Micronutrients found in fruits and vegetables play a critical role in strengthening the brain, helping it fend off free radicals that can damage brain cells. Without adequate vitamins like B6, B12, and folic acid, our brains become more vulnerable to diseases and mental health issues. Essential trace minerals like copper, iron, zinc, and sodium are vital for brain health and early cognitive development.
Carbohydrates are also crucial—they include starch, sugar, and fibre, each playing a vital role in how our body releases glucose and how our brain responds. Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods ensures a steady release of glucose, which is key to keeping our brains functioning optimally.
The food we eat has a direct and long-lasting impact on the brain, the most powerful organ in our body.
Poor nutrition can also lead to inflammation, which is the body’s natural response to foreign invaders. While short-term inflammation helps in healing, chronic inflammation is a serious health issue. It can lead to low mood, fatigue, constipation, frequent infections, skin problems, weight gain, and more. Recent studies in neuroscience have shown that diets high in saturated fats can impair learning and memory.
In conclusion, providing our children with a balanced diet—a colourful array of fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains—ensures their bodies are functioning at their best. This, in turn, supports their social and academic development. Research consistently shows that children who eat nutritious, well-balanced meals perform better in school and enjoy better overall health. And isn’t that the ultimate goal?
Your health is your wealth, and that starts with the food you choose to put on your child’s plate.
