Linking food and behaviour
Beauty of Bedford Salon Magazine
We Are What We Eat — Linking Food and Behaviour
It's been a while since Jamie Oliver was on our television screens highlighting the low standard of meals served to children in schools, but it has brought this problem into the spotlight. Personally, I never really thought about the link between diet and behaviour. Of course I knew that eating badly would affect my health and weight but I just didn't realise the implications of missing out on vital nutrients.
Jamie Oliver and Healthy School Meals
The thing is, we think we are eating well but in actual fact, these processed foods that are all so common on our supermarket shelves, contain lots of chemicals that have a negative impact on our brains and its functions. For instance trans fats, found in cakes and biscuits have been linked to causing dyslexia, autism and learning difficulties. Refined carbohydrates, found in processed white flour (pasta, bread, cereal, crisps) have been linked to depression, aggression and irritability. Added sugars, found in fizzy drinks, chocolate and sweets are linked to mood swings and poor concentration. High GI foods found in bagels, pizza and fries have been linked to lethargy, depression and mood swings while stimulants such as caffeine found in tea, coffee and fizzy drinks have been linked to hyperactivity, anxiety and insomnia. For many people, this is all they eat. Slowly, slowly, over the years a negative impact of these foods has been taking place.
So what should we be eating instead? It seems that essential fats, fats that the brain needs to develop and send signals to the rest of the body effectively, are largely missing from modern diets. They are taken out of processed foods because they are unstable in structure so it is far more difficult to produce foods that have a long shelf life. Stability in foods seems to be far more important to food manufacturers than keeping in essential fats. And of course, don't forget the cost involved! Essential fats are more commonly referred to as Omega 3 (fish and sea food) and Omega 6 (seeds). There doesn't seem to be a shortage in the amount of Omega 6 intake; the main concern is Omega 3 from our diet. Essential fats cannot be made in the body but must be eaten. The fact is, we are not eating enough foods that contain essential fats and this is having a damaging effect on behaviour.
Omega 3 Classified: Fish and Sea Food
Much research has been done to prove this theory by monitoring behaviour of groups of children all on the same diet but with one half of the group given Omega 3 supplements. The results are always the same. Those taking the supplements behave much better, improve by a considerable amount academically and are calmer with levels of hyperactivity reduced. So by adding certain nutrients into our diets, a difference for the better can certainly be seen. In a 3 month period, those children taking supplements improved their reading by 9-10 months worth of progress. Other studies have shown that when similar supplements were given to young offenders, antisocial behaviour dropped by 35% in comparison to those who didn't and in just 2 weeks!
So, these studies have been going on for years. Why hasn't anyone done anything about it? And why does it take a celebrity like Jamie Oliver to get the government to acknowledge the poor standard of diet in this country?
There are so many children in schools that are uncontrollable and misbehaved; school expulsion rates are rising dramatically. If all it takes to control this problem is good, healthy, nutritious meals, then why isn't more time and energy being devoted to this? And why are these big named food companies allowed to produce this rubbish for us to eat? Ok, I know we all have a choice of what we eat, and that if there is a market for it, then somebody will continue to make money from these processed convenience foods — but is it right?
Since I watched the Jamie Oliver documentary, I have taken a careful look at what I have been eating but I must admit I am finding it hard. It really made me realise just how much rubbish I am feeding myself and the harmful effect it is having. Dr Richardson, who is leading the research on diet and behaviour stated, "Food affects behaviour. If you paid attention to diet, you could really make a difference."
So let's make a difference!
— Maria
Supporting articles and further reading: A rotten way to feed children, Brain food, What not to feed your children, Why it's time we faced facts, What's for tea?, What your children should eat, Food for thought, Children's diet link to disorders.
Juicy Fruity
I wish the weather would make its mind up! Lately we've had sunny spells, hot days and downright miserable days! So, this week I thought I'd bring some colour and brightness into the world and bring to your attention the fruity shades of Dazzle Dust available through Barry M at Beauty of Bedford.
Dazzle Dust on Mixed Fruit Segments
After a complexion brightener facial, I was left with some lovely fresh fruit going spare and it reminded me of a particular group of neon looking dazzle dust that actually looks really nice on. So I decided to put the left over oranges, limes, lemons and kiwis to good use and display our Barry M eye shadows.
Dazzle Dust colours come in red, purple, bright yellow, lime green, orange and turquoise. You can go for a real vibrant look or use them in a much more subtle way. Selina likes using a mixture of yellow and green on her eyes, whereas I prefer mixing blue and purple. The choice is yours really; but perhaps the best thing to do is just pop into Beauty of Bedford and have a good old play with all the colours available. You'll be surprised at what works well!
Fashion seems to be all about turquoise, orange and red for this season, and these eye shadows fit the bill perfectly. Whatever you're wearing this summer, you'll be sure to find a dazzle dust that matches.
— Maria