New Study Shows Impact of Breakfast on Student Performance
Breakfast has long been touted as the most important meal of the day, and new research from three Australian universities reinforces this belief. Published in the Journal of School Psychology, the study aimed to examine the effects of different types of breakfast on students’ motivation to learn and their academic performance.
The study involved 648 students from five secondary schools in New South Wales, with an average age of 13-14 years. The students were categorized based on their breakfast choices – healthy, unhealthy, or no breakfast at all.
The healthy breakfast options included wholemeal toast with eggs or lean meat, low-fat yogurt, oat granola with low-fat milk, or fruit. On the other hand, the unhealthy breakfasts consisted of packaged foods high in saturated fat and sugar.
The researchers assessed the students’ academic performance during science lessons, using motivation questionnaires and tests based on the science curriculum. The results were clear – students who ate a healthy breakfast showed higher levels of motivation and achievement compared to those who ate an unhealthy breakfast or skipped it altogether. Surprisingly, students who opted for an unhealthy breakfast had similar poor results as those who didn’t eat anything.
This study adds to the growing body of evidence that highlights the importance of breakfast in academic performance. The Italian guidelines for healthy eating also recommend breakfast as a key component of a healthy lifestyle. The Italian Society of Human Nutrition and Food Sciences have provided examples of balanced breakfasts suitable for children and teenagers, emphasizing the role of breakfast in cognitive functions and school performance.
In conclusion, the research underscores the significance of a nutritious breakfast in setting students up for success in their academic endeavors. Parents and educators alike should take note of the impact of breakfast choices on student performance and make efforts to ensure that students start their day with a healthy meal.