Prepare the Brains for Spring Testing!

Last week I read a health column in The Statesman that I thought might be helpful. Much of it is quoted here. (italicized comments are my own.)

“An Ohio State University study looked at more than 11,000 kids from fifth to eighth grades and found that the more fast foods the fifth graders ate, the lower their test scores in reading/literacy, mathematics and science three years later. (And this is when they are supposed to gain a lot.)

Eating fast food three or more times a week was associated with a whopping 20% smaller gain in test scores!

What is it about fast food that dumbs down kids? Research shows that diets high in fat and sugar have an immediate negative impact on memory building and learning.

That one-two punch KOs neurotransmitters that the brain needs to think and form memories! Plus, nutritionally deprived fast foods lack iron and other nutrients that build brain strength, while trans fats used to fry foods flat out dull your brain power.” 

-- Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Michael Roizen, Austin American Statesman, 1/21/15, p.D12

If you explain these facts to your kids, the homemade, high-protein sandwich packed with fruit and a bottle of water may sound better!