Did you know that your children can eat their way to a sharper, more conditioned mind? As fast as kids move at home and school, their brains are just as quickly growing, changing, and needing nourishment.
The right foods are critical for their brain development. What children eat affects their focus, memory, and cognitive skills, helping bring them closer to their goals. Let’s have a look at natural brain enhancement foods for the little ones.
Salmon
Fatty fish are an outstanding source of omega-3 fats, DHA and EPA in particular. These are essential for brain growth and optimal functioning, which studies showing that people getting these fatty acids in their diet maintain a sharper mind and perform better at mental tests. As a bonus, omega-3s contribute to eye development as well as act as a natural mood stabilizer.
Salmon scores high in nutritional value and brain nourishment, so make sure your child has a regular supply of it in their regular diet.
Whole Grains
Ever wondered why there’s an abundance of carb-rich treats for kids out there today? It’s because complex carbohydrates are fiber-rich whole grains that are important for brain functioning, actually its main fuel source. When the body absorbs this food, they are broken down into glucose, getting used as energy by the body and brain. Whole grains also offer plenty of B vitamins, which empower your nervous system.
Try whole wheat bread, rye, and oatmeal. Give them a nice creative twist to get your child’s interest and succeed in making them a part of their everyday meals.
Eggs
These aren’t just versatile ingredients in the kitchen, but are also well-known as a fabulous protein source. The yolks, for instance, are packed with choline, which assists in memory development.
Before sending your child off to school, whip up scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast. You may also create your own version of egg McMuffin, where you put a fried egg atop a toasted English muffin and finish it off with a slice of cheese on top.
Bright-Colored Vegetables and Fruits
Many of the brain-boosting nutrients that will take children far in life are actually brightly hued. The list of veggies and fruits boasting of these brain benefits include broccoli, cauliflower, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and more.
When it comes to berries, the more intense the color, the more nutritious the berries are. Extracts of blueberries and strawberries in particular have been linked by studies to improved memory. Their seeds? A rich source of omega-3 fats.
Take a cue from their lush green, purple, red, pink, or yellow hues – they are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that won’t let kids down in their next exam. Let these constituents of colorful produce keep your little one’s brain cells young and healthy.
Beans
Beans provide not just the gift of crunch and texture to kids’ meals. They are also special because of the energy they offer from protein and complex carbs, alongside fiber and a formidable list of nutrients. Beans are a bona fide brain food as they keep children’s energy and thinking at peak levels during afternoons when enjoyed for lunch.
Deserving special mention are kidney and pinto beans, which have more omega-3s than other bean varieties.
Milk and yogurt
Dairy is a friend of brain enhancement as it’s packed with protein and B vitamins which are essential to grow brain tissue, neurotransmitters, and enzymes in the brain. Milk and yogurt are runaway winners as they provide both protein and carbs in wonderful amounts – your brain’s preferred energy source at any given time.
Try cheese sticks, low-fat milk, yogurt parfaits, and calcium-fortified juices for your child’s lunch box tomorrow.
Final Note: What If I’ve Got a Picky Eater?
Children who don’t touch food that they don’t like aren’t a rare phenomenon. It can be greatly challenging when they stick to a specific food type at all times – one that doesn’t help their brain development at all!
In this case, it’s important to be creative and flexible when working on their meals. Toddlers, for instance, can be specifically picky, so go for interesting dishes like:
- Peanut butter and jelly, where you combine the classic peanut butter and whole grain bread with slices of berries instead of jam or puree.
- Salmon fillets or salmon salad on whole grain breadFresh berries stirred into plain yogurt, combining antioxidant power with lovely pops of color on their dairy cup
- Stir fry with tofu or lean beef, mixed with broccoli and cauliflower. Throw in some buckwheat soba noodles for an Asian touch
- Trail mix for kids (as long as they’re not allergic to nuts) can boost their brainpower on the go. Combine walnuts with some dried berries and a sprinkling of Cheerios for whole grain goodness.
A high-quality cognitive enhancer from a reputable supplement maker might also make a good difference in your child’s brain function if feeding them healthy food is a real challenge. A nootropic for kids can support healthy brain function and promote focus, calm, and performance at such a busy time of their lives, helping unlock their potential and give them a good chance of exceling.
