Junk Food Makes Kids Stupid

Just when we think obesity is the biggest problem that confronts kids today, along comes a research the shows something else. From a personal perspective, this is the worst news that can be heard.

Researchers from the Bristol University has released a report that links consumption of junk food (pizzas, potato chips, and other processed meals) by children under three years of age, and lower levels of IQ. It indicates that children who were weaned on such a diet would suffer greatly in school work, not to mention the higher possibility of them suffering from obesity.

While the news can be pretty disturbing for some readers, it really doesn’t come as a surprise. Children’s mental development is pretty sensitive during the first three years of their life. That’s why doctors keep on saying that they should have the best nutrition possible to support their rapid brain growth. By introducing high-calorie, high-fat, high-sugar, and high-preservative meals such as junk foods, we are effectively stunting their growth.

Even if corrective actions are taken, the researchers said that it may be too late. The effects of such a diet take a long time to disappear, and the damage caused may be irreversible. It only shows that when we are feeding our young, we should do things right the first time around.

And how are we to do it?

Simply put, cook more meals at home. Reduce the amount of take-outs. Cook more vegetable and serve more fruits. Meat and other natural protein sources would also be great. If we take it seriously, we might not have to worry about this report anymore.