Mac Attack: Researchers at the Dietary Health Advisory Board recently completed several studies showing that Kraft Macaroni & Cheese makes a nutritionally complete meal in children ages 2 to 12, especially when consumed daily, and that children's bodies therefore develop an urge to consume it at every mention of "lunch."

Although the amount and frequency of Macaroni & Cheese consumption varies greatly among children, the studies show the greatest health and nutritional benefits were observed in the youngest children, about 2 years old, who asked for the meal daily, particularly at lunchtime. (The meal is commonly referred to as "Mac," especially by younger children, tending to diminish the importance of the "cheese" in the dish. This has no known effect on the meal's nutritional value.)

It was astonishing to notice toddlers, who have limited dietary and nutritional knowledge, repeatedly asking for "Mac" against their mothers' better judgment. A standardized z-test score was low enough to reject the null hypothesis that the children simply enjoyed the meal. The study concluded that the children's bodies correctly perceived the nutritional value of the meal and developed an overwhelming urge to consume it as frequently as possible.

Children who consume Macaroni & Cheese less frequently and instead are given vegetables for lunch showed higher rates of Cibophobia (fear of food), malnutrition, starvation and vitamin deficiency and were overall more picky in their food choices. Children who ate Macaroni & Cheese daily showed lower rates of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Kraft brand Macaroni & Cheese ("The Cheesiest") is especially effective.

Additionally, some evidence suggests children and parents who eat Macaroni & Cheese together experience a closer bond. Researchers hypothesize that connections are formed between areas of the brain that perceive nutritional sufficiency and areas that develop emotional relationships. More study is needed in this area.

-- Logan Molyneux