One thing should remain constant when it comes to nutrition – consistency. It is the key to providing our children with the precise building blocks for the success of their health. While the correct foods are important, don’t forget that making your child fueled up at a consistent “eating” time throughout the day and avoiding hunger is equally important. Just like your kid’s body, the brain also develops quickly during childhood and needs proper nourishment. In this blog, we have curated a few brain foods for kids that they just can’t miss.
What Foods Help Brain Development?
As we know kids are curious and jumpy and excited all the time! Your little one NEEDS to have a variety of foods and eat it at each meal for optimal nutrition. Looking at brain-developing foods, make sure you encourage your kid to maintain a well-balanced diet, which includes:
- Fruits and fresh vegetables
- Whole grains, like multi-grain wheat bread, whole-wheat pasta, or brown rice
- Eggs, nuts, fish, etc.
- Dairy products (Low-fat)
This combination provides the exact amounts of vitamins and minerals, energy from carbs, fat, protein and other nutrients important to strengthen your child’s 360-degree health. Few nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, help boost the power of the brain too. Some foods which are high in omega-3s are salmon, soybean, and walnuts. These are all good brain foods for kids.
What Are Some Of The Best Brain Foods For Kids?
Spinach:
Spinach is known to strengthen the brain cells. It contains antioxidants that will help in rectifying the damage which is caused by free radicals that are known to damage the brain cells. It also contains folate, which helps in all-around brain development.
Eggs:
Eggs contain vitamins B6 and B12, folate, and choline. Choline is a micronutrient that helps in keeping hold of the neural pathways to keep the memories intact. Eggs are definitely one of the best brain foods for kids that you can diversify when using.
Curd:
Studies show that curd gives a considerable boost in the part of the brain that controls sensation and emotions. They also believe that it helps in controlling anxiety and depression.
Fish:
Fish is a high source of omega 3 fatty acids. It contributes to 50% of the total brain’s mass and maintains its structure.
Berries:
Strong scientific evidence exists that strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and other berries have super beneficial effects on the brain as they contain antioxidants that reverse the harmful effects of free radicals. Another brain-enhancing component found in berries is flavonoids which make their way to the hippocampus and improve the learning capabilities. The good thing is they’re fun to eat, making them one of the easier brain foods for kids to accept.
Walnuts:
Walnuts are very rich in alpha-linolenic acid, a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. This acid present in walnuts helps improve the memory of your kid and reduces any inflammations in the brain.
Oatmeal:
High or low blood sugar can hinder the neural passage in the brain. Oatmeal regulates the blood sugar levels in the body, which further boosts brain health and brain function. Oatmeal with some berries for breakfast is a great combination of good brain foods for kids.
Beans:
Beans are the best foods for the development of the brain. They have a high content of omega fatty acids which helps to improve the memory of your kid.
Apples & Bananas:
It is of no doubt that an apple a day keeps the doctor away! Acetylcholine, which is produced with the help of apples, further supports the transferal of messages between nerves in the brain. Few studies have been linked to eating apples in improving the health of the brain. Being rich in potassium and magnesium, bananas boost your kid’s energy levels and assist in sharpening the brain’s focus to increase the attention span and learning skills.
Conclusion
None of these brain foods for kids will help unless your child has plenty of water. Keep your kid hydrated with a recommended amount of water every day! Make sure you download the ImmunifyMe app to get customized nutrition charts and keep track of your baby’s health. Don’t forget to get in touch with your kid’s pediatrician and discuss if there is anything he or she needs to refrain from eating.
FAQs On Brain Foods For Kids
Which Food Is Good For Children’s Brains?
Foods like eggs, yogurt, berries, beans, milk, and certain fruits like apples and bananas are good for a kid’s brain development. All of these help the brain’s growth in one way or the other.
How Can I Sharpen My Child’s Brain?
You can sharpen your child’s brain by giving them brain foods like nuts, spinach, eggs, fish, etc. You can also play brain games with them like memory games, and encourage them to read a lot.
What Foods Are Good For Brain Repair?
Dark chocolate, fatty fish with plenty of Omega-3, flaxseed oil, leafy greens, eggs, avocados, milk and berries are some of the foods that can help with brain repair.
