A study done at University of East Anglia in Norwich, published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health showed that pupils who consumed five or more portions of fruit and veg a day had the highest scores for mental wellbeing, especially those in secondary school.
Researchers analysed data from almost 9,000 children in 50 schools across Norfolk (7,570 secondary and 1.253 primary school children). The study looked at the association between nutritional factors and mental wellbeing, and took into account factors such as adverse childhood experiences and home situations.
Dr Richard Hayhoe from UEA said “Among secondary school children in particular, there was a really strong link between eating a nutritious diet packed with fruit and vegetables and having better mental wellbeing. Children who ate a traditional breakfast experienced better well-being than those who only had a snack or drink. Secondary school children who drank energy drinks for breakfast had particularly low mental well-being scores, even lower than for those children consuming no breakfast at all”
