by Marianne Malbas
How much of a college student's diet affects their ability to perform in class?
While this area of research is still growing, researchers have found some correlation between the types of food college/university students choose to eat and their overall grade point average (GPA). According to a systematic review performed by Tracy L. Burrows, Megan C. Whatnall, Amanda J. Patterson, and Melinda J. Hutchesson, students that opted for regular breakfasts reported achieving more academic goals compared to students who would skip meals (Burrows et al. 7). It was also reported that there was a positive correlation between GPA, having regular meals (having 2-3 meals per day), and consuming more fruits and vegetables (Burrows et al. 9).
Stocksnap. Food Breakfast Table [Photograph]. Pixabay.
While researchers cannot quite yet prove that an improved diet directly leads to better test scores and overall GPA in students, students from the studies have reported that they felt like they did much better in their classes when they did not skip meals and chose healthier foods over fast and fried foods.
What Should You Choose?
Though college students are constantly on the go, a healthy diet shouldn't be overlooked! The convenience of instant ramen and processed cereals are tempting, but it definitely would not hurt to opt for healthier options. Our bodies require adequate amounts of fiber, carbohydrates, protein, and healthier unsaturated fats that can only be obtained through fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seafood, and lean meats. When students choose to have meals that have little of these nutrients, too much processed sugars, too many saturated fats, or choose to skip a meal altogether, their bodies are not receiving the proper fuel to function at their best.
Regardless of whether you are a college student or not, however, there is no doubt that choosing fruits, vegetables, and homemade meals over processed ones is significantly better for your overall physical and mental health. When given the chance, the proper investment into a healthy diet can go a long way.
References
Burrows, T. L., Whatnall, M. C., Patterson, A. J., & Hutchesson, M. J. (2017). Associations between dietary intake and academic achievement in college students: A systematic review. Healthcare (Basel), 5(4), 60. doi:10.3390/healthcare5040060
Stocksnap. Food Breakfast Table [Photograph]. Pixabay.