Eating chips, chocolate and cake may be damaging to a child's intelligence, according to researchers at Bristol University.Writing in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, they suggest poor nutrition may affect brain development.
The British Dietetic Association said more young parents needed to be educated about healthy eating.
The eating habits of 3,966 children taking part in the The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children were recorded at the ages of three, four, seven and eight and a half.
The researchers said three types of diet emerged: Processed diets which were high in fat, sugar and convenience foods, traditional diets of meat, potato and vegetables, and health conscious diets of salads, fruit and fish.
Brain development
The researchers found a link between IQ and diet, even after taking into account other factors such as the mother's level of education, social class and duration of breast feeding.
A diet high in processed food at the age of three was linked to a slightly lower IQ at the age of eight and a half, suggesting early eating habits have a long term impact.
Dr Pauline Emmett, who carried out the study at Bristol University, said: "Brain development is much faster in early life, it's when it does most of its growing. It seems that what happens afterwards is less important."
Kristian Bravin, dietician at Leicester Royal Infirmary, said: "Most people know what they should do, some people don't have the inclination to cook good meals.
"People should seek advice from a registered dietician, but simply it's a message of moderating fat intake, five fruit and veg a day and whole grain starchy foods."
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12381041
Vocabulary:
ReplyDelete1.Conscious(Adj)- acutely aware of or concerned about
e.g. He is a budget-conscious businessman.
2.duration(n)- the length of time something continues or exists
e.g. The duration of the examination is three hours.
3.inclination(n)- a disposition or bent, especially of the mind or will; a liking or preference
e.g. She showed no inclination to staying.
4.moderating(adj)- of medium quantity, extent, or amount
e.g. The hotel is moderate in its charges.
5.starchy(adj)- containing, consisting of, or resembling starch
e.g. Why are starchy foods important in our diet?
Questions:
ReplyDelete1. Which of the foods mentioned damage a child's intelligence?
2. The study of the eating habits were recorded at which ages?
3. What is the relationship in the children between IQ and their diet?
4. What is the suggestion to the young parents by The British Dietetic Association?
Summary:
ReplyDeleteThis article about the nutrition may affect children's brain development.
The paragraphs metioned about a link between a diet high in processed foods and a slightly lower IQ.
Most of the parents know what they should do, but they don't have the inclination to cook good meals for their children.
Brain development is much faster in early life, it's when it does most of its growing. Therefore, the early eating habits have a long term impact.