Impact of nutrition on Mental Health
10th May 2025
Nourishing Minds and Bodies: The Impact of Nutrition on Mental Health - Braeburn School
As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s important to recognise that food doesn’t just fuel our bodies—it also plays a crucial role in supporting mental well-being. As your school caterer, I believe wholeheartedly that good nutrition is one of the foundations for helping our students feel their best, think clearly, and stay energised throughout the day.
The Link Between Food and Mood
Emerging research continues to highlight how dietary choices can influence mental health. The brain requires a wide range of nutrients to function properly, and imbalances - either deficiencies or excesses—can affect mood, cognition, and even behaviour.
Some key nutrients that support mental well-being include:
Magnesium: Found in seeds, leafy greens, legumes, grains, dairy, bananas, and avocados. Magnesium helps regulate stress and nervous system function. Low levels may contribute to anxiety and low mood.
Vitamin D: Mostly absorbed through sunlight, but also present in fortified foods. A deficiency is often linked with depression and fatigue.
Zinc and Iron: Essential for brain function, concentration, and energy levels. These are found in foods like red meat, legumes, seeds, nuts, eggs, and dairy products.
What Are We Doing in Secondary to Help?
At Braeburn School, we are taking practical steps to ensure our meals not only taste great but also support healthy minds:
We’ve expanded our daily salad bar, giving students access to a wider variety of fresh vegetables and wholesome toppings.
We now offer healthier carbohydrate options, including brown rice, brown chapatis, and sweet potato chips on rotation throughout the week.
Our popular chicken nuggets are baked, not fried, reducing unnecessary fats while keeping them delicious.
Salad dressings include cold-pressed olive oil, which is rich in healthy fats and supports brain health.
We are committed to creating meals that nourish both body and mind—and that means offering variety, balance, and smarter choices. Please help us encourage students to try new foods, explore the full range of what’s on offer, and understand that what they eat can make a real difference to how they feel, think, and perform in school.
As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions as we continue to improve and grow our menus with our students’ well-being in mind.
Warm regards,
Jakki
Catering Manager
