Children who eat fish once a week have higher IQ, sleep better, says study
Posted on: 03/Jan/2018 12:06:29 PM
In a study conducted by researchers at the School of Nursing and Penn Integrates Knowledge, it was found that eating fish at least once a week results in better sleep and higher IQ in children. The findings have been published in the journal Nature.
Say the researchers, This area of research is not well-developed. It`s emerging. Here we look at omega-3s coming from our food instead of from supplements.
541 9- to 11-year-olds in China, 54 percent boys and 46 percent girls, completed a questionnaire about how often they consumed fish in the past month, with options ranging from never to at least once per week. Their parents then answered questions about sleep quality using the standardized Children Sleep Habits Questionnaire, which included topics such as sleep duration and frequency of night waking or daytime sleepiness.
The researchers found that children who reported eating fish weekly scored 4.8 points higher on the IQ exams than those who said they seldom or never consumed fish. According to researchers, Lack of sleep is associated with antisocial behavior; poor cognition is associated with antisocial behavior. We have found that omega-3 supplements reduce antisocial behavior, so it`s not too surprising that fish is behind this.
Other experts see strong potential for the implications of this research. It adds to the growing body of evidence showing that fish consumption has really positive health benefits and should be something more heavily advertised and promoted. Children should be introduced to it early on. Introducing the taste early makes it more palatable, It really has to be a concerted effort, especially in a culture where fish is not as commonly served or smelled. Children are sensitive to smell. If they`re not used to it, they may shy away from it, they say.
