Coffee linked to better mental health; School dinners got a much-needed health boost
School meals in England are set for their first major overhaul in over a decade, with new government plans banning daily sugary treats and deep-fried foods. Under the proposals revealed this week, fruit will be served as the primary dessert option, while ‘grab-and-go’ items like sausage rolls and pizza will be limited.
The Department for Education said the changes follow a poll showing three quarters of parents are concerned about what their children eat at school. A nine-week consultation on the proposals will begin soon, with the new standards slated to take effect from September 2027.
While some have raised concerns about school budgets handling new menus, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in an interview that he thinks the changes are “do-able.” Early education minister Olivia Bailey told BBC Breakfast she hopes the plans will “kickstart a transformation of school food.” Supporters have called the update “welcome and long overdue.”
In other good news this week, moderate coffee consumption has been linked to better mental health. A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders analyzed data from more than 460,000 participants aged 40 to 69 in the UK Biobank, following them for over 13 years.
Researchers found that two to three daily cups of coffee might have a positive effect on mental health, particularly in men, likely due to caffeine’s anti-inflammatory effects. However, the benefits did not extend to those who drank too little or too much. The study suggests moderation is key.
