Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Related to Healthy Habits, Learning Processes, and Academic Achievement in Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Year Published: 2018

Journal

Nutrients

Authors

Ramón Chacón-Cuberos, Félix Zurita-Ortega, Asunción Martínez-Martínez, Eva María Olmedo-Moreno and Manuel Castro-Sánchez

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 1,059 adolescents between 14 and 16 years of age. Authors tested the relationship between dietary patterns and engagement in physical activity. They also tested the association between adherence to a Mediterranean diet (which includes nuts) and motivation/learning strategies in participants.

Key Findings

Key Findings: Results showed that participants who reported engaging in physical activity also reported a more regular consumption of nuts. Participants with higher Mediterranean diet scores also reported higher scores for elaboration and organization strategies, critical thinking, study habits, and setting intrinsically oriented goals. Authors noted that adherence to a Mediterranean diet (which includes nuts) is associated with higher polyphenol intake, which can improve cognitive function.