7 Brain foods for your child

Top 7 brain foods for your children

Good nutrition is an essential part of a child's brain development. Till the age of five, their brain and the nervous system grows quickly. A proper diet plan or nutritious food intake during this time can greatly benefit children to build a smart brain.

Let's take a look at some of the best brain foods for your children.

Dairy products

Dairy products include milk, butter, cheese and yogurt that collectively boosts calcium and vitamin D levels in the body. They are, therefore, important for body's development and provide stronger immunity.

Milk also stimulates bone growth and boosts cognitive performance. Dairy products like almond butter and sunflower butter are also highly advantageous for brain development and are easily available in market.

Omega-3 rich foods

During foetal development, omega-3 accumulates in the human brain and is closely related to intelligence. It helps in developing thinking ability in infants and kids. Fish oil is rich in omega3, as are walnuts and flaxseeds. Consuming these omega3 rich foods in at least one serving weekly will benefit your child's brain development.

Eggs

Eggs are a rich source of vitamins B12 and D and choline. Choline is crucial in several metabolic pathways as well as is an essential nutrient for improvement of memory and cognitive power.

Eggs help in creating more memory cells and also provide essential vitamins. Add at least one whole boiled egg in your child’s breakfast.

Fruits

Fruits largely contain antioxidants that protect you from heart diseases and cancer, which are caused due to oxidative stress. Antioxidants also lower the risk of memory cells.

So opt for seasonal and fresh fruits, which will not only protect your child’s brain but also help in physical development. Give your child a fruit daily in any form.

Oats

As we all know, our brain requires glucose, which we get from carbohydrates. Oats are carbohydrate-rich food and are also full of proteins. An oatmeal breakfast for growing children is highly beneficial for their brain development.

You can also make this breakfast more nutritious by adding nuts, honey or berries.

Vegetables

We all know that leafy green vegetables are quite healthy for the body and brain. In 2006, the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging in Chicago, conducted a study, wherein they found that participants who ate more than two servings of vegetables a week felt 40 percent less mental decline, as compared to those who ate less or no vegetables.

Try to make as many delicious green vegetable dishes for your children as possible. You can always add extra spice or other flavours that they may like.

Flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds

Flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds are rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. These fatty acids play a vital role in brain development of growing children. These brain foods can be made tasty by adding them to muffins and cookies.

Do you know any other brain foods? Do let us know.

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