Feeding your children one food can make them kinder and more sociable, according to study
Parents may be interested to know that one particular food could determine the traits and qualities of their kids
Parents always hope their children turn out well, with a good attitude, good manners, and respect for others. Mothers, fathers, and carers lead by example and trust that their influence rubs off on the young people in their life.
However, it turns out kids' traits can come from the food they eat. In fact, feeding your children one simple food can make them kinder and more outgoing, according to a new study.
Research conducted by the University of Bristol suggests encouraging kids to eat fish could have a positive impact on their development and have them exhibit more sociable and kind behaviour compared to their peers.
Seafood is known to be rich in omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and iodine, all of which are crucial for brain development and cognitive function.
Scientists explored potential correlations between seafood consumption at age seven and cognitive or behavioural changes observed at ages seven, eight, or nine. They analysed long-term data from nearly 6,000 children in England, with the average weekly fish intake being 123 grams.
According to the study, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, children who did not eat fish were more likely to display "suboptimal prosocial behaviour". This term refers to friendly interactions, selflessness, and sharing.
Seven year old children who do not consume fish are 35 per cent more likely to exhibit "suboptimal prosocial behaviour" compared to their peers who eat at least 190 grams of fish weekly. This ups to 43 per cent among nine year olds.
The research team also explored potential links between fish consumption and intelligence, but no significant differences were observed in the eight year olds studied, regardless of how much fish they ate.
Dr Caroline Taylor, Associate Professor in Nutrition at the University of Bristol, commented on the findings: "When there is conflicting advice, it can be difficult to know what the best course of action is. Our previous studies have shown that eating fish during pregnancy in the UK can have a positive effect on child development.
"This has also been found in countries where fish intakes are higher than they are here, so encouraging fish consumption is likely to have a positive effect on child development.
"Our evidence to link fish consumption in children with the best behavioural development is clear, and we strongly recommend parents to provide at least two portions of fish a week in accordance with NHS guidelines.
"We hope these research findings empower parents with the knowledge to give their children the best start in life."
The NHS recommends a "healthy, balanced diet" that includes at least two portions of fish per week, with one being oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, or sardines. It suggests that children should have at least one portion of oily fish each week.
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Due to the presence of low levels of pollutants that can accumulate in the body, it advises that boys should not have more than four portions of oily fish a week, while girls should limit their intake to no more than two portions.
Fish that is steamed, baked or grilled is a healthier choice than fried fish. Frying can increase the fat content of fish and shellfish, especially if they’re cooked in batter.