24th October 2012
As part of the Channel 4 programme The Food Programme “Kids special” a GP and dietician investigated traditional party food to see if sausage rolls, cakes, crisps and fizzy drinks “really send kids wild”.
They held 2 parties, one where the children were given healthy food and a second where the children were given traditional party food including brightly coloured cakes, sweets and fizzy drinks.
When they tested the children’s behaviour, those at the first party had: 0 mean behaviours to other children; 8 aggressive behaviours; 120 bad behaviour incidents; 30 hyperactive incidents.
Those at the second had 69 mean behaviours to other children; 63 aggressive incidents; 720 bad behaviour incidents; 163 hyperactive incidents. Those in the healthy food group did 48% better at puzzles and motor skills than those in the additive group. Even the GP and the Dietician were surprised at the scale of difference it made to the children.