Students Should Have Healthy Food Options
Introduction
A balanced diet can be a great source of fibre and other nutrients such as proteins, providing energy for a long day. According to research, school-going kids are healthier and more nourished if they consume proper nutrients.
According to research, a diet rich in fibre helps increase the concentration level of students; healthy fats and carbohydrates can make them improve their fitness to understand things more accurately. Whereas junk food leads to obesity which can decrease kids' self-esteem. Junk food can also cause various diseases such as high cholesterol, diabetes, etc.
Health Tips on Intake of Nutrients
- Balanced meal
Due to unhealthy eating habits, one can become obese, due to which the body will be exhausted the whole day. Therefore, students must avoid foods with high solid contents and added sugars, including cakes, candies, cookies, ice creams, pizza, and soft drinks. Also, planning meals can save money. To ensure proper nutrition, students should choose their balanced food that includes the following:
- Vegetables
- Dairy products
- Fruits
- Food grains
- Healthy fats
- Drink plenty of water
Some research shows that drinking plenty of water can improve concentration power. Water can also increase their short-term as well as long-term memory. On the other hand, drinking less water can cause concern with diseases like gallstones and other problems.
- Increase calcium uptake
Calcium intake helps students develop healthy bones and muscles. If their calcium intake is less in their body, the bones might wear out when they grow old. Calcium also helps in blood clotting, muscle contraction, regulating heart rhythms, and nerve functions. The calcium intake can be improved by adding fat-free or low-fat milk to the meal. Also, eat foods like papaya, dried figs, beans, and turnips.
- Do not skip breakfast
It is a fact that having the first meal of the day on time is very important for students. A complete diet can increase students’ concentration levels and boost their bodies and mind. On the other hand, if a student skips breakfast, they feel tardy, exhausted, and lethargic in the morning.
Smart foods on nutrition
- Healthy snacks/nuts
Students can consume healthy nuts and other dried raisins in a cup of cereal. Consuming a non-flavoured option can help you have a hearty breakfast. Also, dry roasted and unsalted nuts help in providing vitamin E.
- Alternatives to protein and meat
Students who consume food rich in vitamin B are physically and mentally fit. However, sometimes vegetables might not be enough to provide all the nutrients; therefore, one must consume some amount of meat and other alternatives such as beans.
- Berries
To improve students' concentration power, one must eat berries. Berries are rich in flavonoids, which are a good source for the functioning of the brain.
- Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables and fruits help increase vitamins and fibre in our body. In addition, students need to protect themselves against chronic illness, so they must make sure they consume green leafy vegetables.
- Salmon
Salmon fish is a food item that can provide students with all the necessary proteins and nutrition. In addition, salmon fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help in improving the nervous system. They can also improve eyesight as well as maintain heart health.
Conclusion
Students should consume food items rich in fibre content, protein, and healthy fats that provide energy to them. Adopting healthy food supplies like vegetables, dairy products, fruits, grains, and healthy fats helps maintain good brain health that also helps in improving grades, memory power, and mental health of the students. Students should avoid junk foods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Name the health benefits of calcium intake in our food.
- It prevents osteoporosis - calcium deficiency disease occurring in bones.
- It helps combat cancer.
- It helps in maintaining healthy teeth and bones.
2. Why is eating breakfast important?
Breakfast helps in breaking the fasting of the whole night. It helps in kick-starting the metabolism and boosts the energy for the day. In addition, eating breakfast lowers the harmful cholesterol levels in the body and protects from maintaining weight and heart rate.
3. Name some foods rich in vitamin K and B.
- Spinach
- Asparagus
- Avocado
- Some of the green fruits
4. How do orange and yellow-coloured fruits help in improving the nutrition level?
Orange and yellow-coloured fruits and vegetables are a rich source of vitamins C and A. It helps in preventing cell damage, supports healthy joints, eyesight, and lowers the cholesterol level.
5. What do purple-coloured foods do to your metabolism?
Purple-coloured foods like grapes and brinjal help maintain the following: Healthy heart rate, maintaining blood vessels, improving memory, working as an anti-aging source, and maintaining a healthy urinary system.
6. Explain the phrase “Eat the Rainbow”.
The phrase "Eat the Rainbow" refers to incorporating fruits and veggies into the diet. According to this phrase, eating foods of different colours can help gain vitamins and improve health.