According to research, breakfast consumption yields not only one but a range of benefits for young, developing brains. It particularly improves cognitive learning and academic performance, which in turn positively influences several other domains of life.
Here in this post, we shall uncover the top seven psychological benefits for students who consume quality breakfast consistently.
What is Quality Breakfast?
Before we hop onto the benefits, let us acquaint ourselves with the bone of contention, i.e., quality breakfast. So, what exactly qualifies as a quality breakfast?
Quality and healthy breakfast should comprise a balanced amount of nutrients. Some of the essentials include:
- Whole grains
- Low-fat dairy
- Lean protein
- Vitamins and minerals
Whole grains can be acquired from foodstuffs like cereal, muffins, bread, and bagels. Nuts, legumes, eggs, and lean meat are excellent sources of protein. Meanwhile, milk, cottage cheese, low-sugar yogurt, and natural cheeses are good sources of low-fat dairy. Vegetables and fruits can help acquire an ample supply of vitamins and minerals.
Note that when we list the above, we do not mean consuming one foodstuff per day or breakfast. An ideal breakfast for a college or school-going breakfast should be a combination of all the nutrients listed above. Or at least a combination of most.
For students, preparing such demanding breakfast meals can be hectic and so we recommend opting for readily available healthy foods. For example, you can rely on the Kosher bread basket for your whole grain supply and organic Greek yogurt for your low-fat dairy supply.
#1. It improves physical performance.
When we skip on the first meal of the day, we train our bodies to utilize the reserves of energy. Although this scenario may appear to be nice for some for a few days, it is bound to go downhill. That’s because this is an unhealthy approach.
According to a study skipping your first meal of the day may make you obese and lethargic. It may even make you prone to lifelong health problems like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Hence, breakfast consumption is necessary to maintain overall good physical health and performance. About how this is psychologically beneficial, read on to figure out.
#2. It improves mental health.
No breakfast means reduced energy levels. And reduced energy levels mean fatigue and irritability. Consistency in both these domains means constant distress and damaged mental health. Do you see how this chain only leads to the worst?
For that very reason, consuming breakfast is an absolute must for learning minds. With increased energy levels and lessen fatigue, students will not feel burdened when faced with a new challenging concept. Instead, they will have the right state of mind and stability to cater to their curiosity.
#3. It improves emotional health.
A study found that students who regularly consumed breakfast were likely to be less emotionally disturbed and distressed. It tends to reduce stress as your mind feels energized enough to tackle what life throws at it.
Moreover, beginning the day with a satisfying and fulfilling breakfast also helps lower mood swings. With a happy stomach and energized cells, you can take on the day positively and happily.
#4. It increases retention rates & enhances focus.
A healthy breakfast is known for improvising short-term retention. With the right nutrients supplied to the brain, it does a better job at both absorbing and retaining newly learned information. Plus, the surge of energy brings clarity, and you can focus properly.
#5. It improvises eating habits.
As mentioned earlier, skipping breakfast can mean unhealthy weight gain or weight loss. That’s because when we deprive our body of the energy refuel that it needs right when we wake up, it asks for more food later in the day. So, you may lose some weight in the first few days. But if it becomes a habit, you will gain weight too quickly and in unhealthy ways.
Hence, it’s essential to consume a healthy breakfast. It will keep you fulfilled and satisfied until lunchtime (particularly if it includes a good supply of fiber) and consequently, ensure good intervals between each meal.
#6. It helps with stress levels.
Be it a primary level student or a Ph.D. level student. Stress is a common aspect of life. And it is often leading and dominating life. A healthy breakfast can help tackle this well. It improves mental health and emotional health. Thus, bringing about stability in our behavior and focus. It improves overall performance. And using this, when students can keep up with their schedules and due tasks, it reduces the stress.
#7. It assists with brain development.
Along with enhancing moods, breakfast also helps with brain development. Roxanne Sukol MD says that when we supply our brain with the nutrients it requires, it uses them to build blocks of life, i.e., necessary proteins, enzymes, brain tissue, and any neurotransmitters. Hence, a good breakfast can practically help you develop your brain and achieve your maximum potential.
Final Words
Summing up, a healthy breakfast can improve the overall health status of a student and help improve their performance in academics and life in general. It could be a real game-changer for those who feel arrested by lethargy.