7 Brain-Boosting Foods for Children
The brain is a very hungry organ -- the first of the body's organs to absorb nutrients from the food we eat.
Want your child to do better in school? Take a close look at diet. Certain "brain foods" may help boost a child's brain growth -- plus improve brain function, memory, and concentration.
When one is born, his / her health is vulnerable. Immediately after birth, the bacteria and microbes in the vicinity begin to threaten human health. Brain health is based on varied factors, such as proper care, exposure to germs and diet. By the age of 3 years, a child’s brain begins to grow quite fast, and the formative development ensures good brain health for the entire lifetime.
Here are 7 brain-boosting foods for children.
1. Eggs
These are among the most important foods to feed your kids, packed with various nutrients. Eggs include selenium, protein, Vitamin B12 and choline, which are vital for cognitive function and brain development. Choline is particularly useful for the development of the brain. Higher IQ scores are noted in kids who eat eggs and fruit, legumes and other healthy foods.
2. Berries
Berries are packed with anthocyanins and other useful plant compounds, and can improve brain health in various ways. Berries have anti-inflammatory effects, promote the expression of specific proteins, stimulate the production of new nerve cells and boost the flow of blood to the brain. They can raise the neurotrophic factor (BDNF), associated with memory and learning. The consumption of berries can have a positive impact on the cognitive function in kids, and improve academic performance.
3. Seafoods
Rich in zinc, iodine and omega-3 fats, seafoods are especially useful for proper brain function. For healthy brain development and function, omega-3 for kids is critical. Zinc is needed for nerve cell development and production. These also have iodine, which is needed by the body for thyroid hormone production. This hormone is very essential for the development of brain cells.
4. Green leafy vegetables
It can be tough to get your kid to have enough leafy greens. However, research indicates that vegetables – packed with various nutrients like Vitamins E and K1, carotenoids, flavonoids and folate, are important for the brain health of kids. Feed enough of lettuce, kale, spinach and other Green leafy vegetables, which have enough of brain-protecting compounds. You can be assured of better brain health for your kids.
According to research, kids having enough folate have better cognitive function. Leafy greens and other carotenoid-rich foods can give a boost to kids’ cognitive function. Zeaxanthin, lutein and other carotenoids are there in leafy greens in rich amounts. However, if your child doesn't take enough leafy greens, you can supplement their diet with gummie supplements to fulfil their nutritional needs.
5. Cocoa
Packed in flavonoid antioxidants like epicatechin and catechin Cocoa, cacao nibs and other cocoa products are very beneficial for the brain. These can protect the brain and also have anti-inflammatory properties that can improve brain health. Cocoa flavonoids improve visual processing and increase flow of blood to the brain. According to studies, these can boost performance on specific cognitive tasks in humans. The intake of cocoa can be very beneficial in boosting cognitive performance in kids and teens. Research indicates that its consumption may improve cognitive performance in all those tasks that need memory and verbal learning.
6. Oranges
Loaded with narirutin, hesperidin and other flavonoids, oranges can boost cognitive health as well as overall health. When kids have enough oranges regularly, it can improve their cognitive function, boost blood flow to the brain and increase nerve activity. These are rich in vitamin C, important for brain health and brain development, production of neurotransmitters and much more. Orange juice is packed with flavonoids. Enough of Vitamin C in blood can improve decision speed, recall, attention, working memory and focus. Vitamic C is also available in the form of kids supplements so you can provide enough Vitamin C to meet your child’s daily needs.
7. Yogurt
Yogurt is a rich source of iodine, a kind of nutrient that is needed by the body for proper cognitive function and brain development. Iodine deficiency leads to cognitive impairment in children. Regular meals consisting of Yogurt are a constant source of energy. You need to serve unsweetened yogurt to your child, topped with pumpkin seeds, cacao nibs, homemade granola and berries. Its a good idea to add yogurt to the breakfast of your child, to get him / her energized and have optimal brain function. When it comes to feeding breakfast to your child that is rich in nutrients, yogurt must be included in the diet.