The importance of a healthy breakfast for students returning to school | Medical warning
With the start of the new academic year and the return of millions of students to their classrooms, the importance of regulating children's lifestyles and diets becomes paramount. In this context, Professor Abdulmu'in Eid Al-Agha, Professor and Consultant of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, emphasized to Al-Youm newspaper that providing students with a healthy breakfast is the cornerstone of a successful school day. He explained that neglecting this morning meal has a direct and negative impact on concentration levels and academic performance, and its effects even extend to the student's mood throughout the school day.
Developing nutritional awareness and the importance of a healthy breakfast for students
Historically, proper nutrition has always been linked to the development and educational advancement of societies. In recent decades, global and local health organizations have begun to recognize that providing balanced nutrition for future generations is not merely a luxury, but a genuine investment in their minds. Studies accumulated over the years have proven that a healthy breakfast is the most important meal of the day for students, as it provides the body with the necessary energy after long hours of fasting during sleep. This energy supply effectively contributes to brain activation and stimulates mental and cognitive abilities, making students who regularly eat breakfast more capable of comprehension and positive interaction in the classroom compared to their peers who skip this meal.
The perfect breakfast table ingredients
To ensure maximum benefit, Professor Al-Agha explained that breakfast should be a complete and balanced meal containing all essential nutrients. This includes proteins, which promote satiety and support body building; complex and healthy carbohydrates, which ensure a steady flow of energy; and essential vitamins and minerals, which are abundant in fresh fruits and vegetables. This precise nutritional balance is what guarantees a student's energetic and healthy start to the day.
Packaged foods: A threat to children's health
In contrast, Dr. Al-Agha issued a strong warning against the increasing reliance on packaged and processed foods, such as ready-made croissants, donuts, and sweets. These foods, despite their easy availability, completely lack real nutritional value. They often contain very high levels of added sugars and saturated fats. Excessive consumption leads to serious long-term health problems, most notably weight gain and obesity in children, as well as causing students to feel lethargic, sluggish, and fatigued during class, thus hindering the learning process.
The overall impact of school nutrition and the role of oversight
The impact of school nutrition extends beyond the individual and local levels, becoming a regional and international priority. Countries that adopt strict policies regarding the quality of school food have witnessed significant improvements in public health indicators and a decline in chronic disease rates among young people. Therefore, the consultant emphasized the need for stricter oversight by school administrations of the quality of food served in school cafeterias. Efforts must be combined to provide healthy and safe options and guide children in choosing nutritious foods such as fresh sandwiches, fruits, and natural juices without added sugar.
The importance of hydration and building sustainable habits
Dr. Al-Agha also emphasized the importance of drinking water, urging students to bring their own water bottles from home. He explained that staying hydrated throughout the school day is vital for maintaining essential bodily functions, while dehydration leads to a noticeable decline in concentration and energy levels. He concluded with a crucial message: the healthy eating habits children acquire in their early years stay with them throughout their lives. Therefore, parents bear a significant responsibility in guiding their children toward healthy choices, because investing in their children's health today is the true foundation for their bright academic and physical future.
