FOODS THAT ARE KNOWN TO MAKE YOUR CHILD SMARTER
(curejoy.com) Your kids may be fussy eaters, but their brains love good food. The right diet, high in Omega 3 fatty acids can provide their growing brains with the building blocks for healthy neural development. We understand some kids are such fussy eaters that their frustrated moms are happy if they eat anything at all. But these ten brain boosters won't just make your kid a smarty-pants, they also taste delicious. Here are ten foods that you should be feeding your child if you want to help them be smarter.
1. Walnuts
If it looks like a brain, it must be good for the brain, right? Walnuts are one of the best sources of Omega 3 out there. Omega 3 is the ultimate brain booster because it produces DHA, an essential structural component of the neurological system. In addition, walnuts are also high in Vitamin E which improves cognitive functions.
2. Avocados
Avocados are nature's answers to almost every problem. One of the reasons they're so good for you is because they're packed with good fat. Your child's developing brain needs all the fat it can get to grow to its full potential. Kids may not take to the taste too well at first (don't worry, they'll learn and join the avocado cult when they're older and wiser). To introduce the taste to them, spread it on some toast to make a sandwich or use it as a dip with healthy crisps.
3. Apples
Kids love anything sweet and fruits are one of the easiest health foods to get them to eat. While any fruit is good for them, apples in particular, contain an antioxidant called quercetin which is especially good for the brain. Quercetin has been shown to fight off signs of decline in mental skills and keep your kids focused all day. Mix apple cubes in their breakfast so they get to reap its benefits every day.
4. Oatmeal
You probably already know how bad sugary cereals are for your child, but in the rush of a school morning, you just don't have the time to coax them into eating anything else. Oatmeal is a great alternative because it can be sweetened and yet retains all of its nutritional values. Oats suck up the bad cholesterol in your child's bloodstream and keeps the brain arteries fully clear, thus improving their memory skills. If your child makes a fuss about eating oatmeal, decorate it with colorful berries and fruits to make it look more appealing.
5. Eggs
Eggs are probably the best thing you can feed your child, no matter what your concern is. They're one of the most nutritious foods ever and keep your child's entire body healthy. For the brain especially, egg yolks help form the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Acetylcholine facilitates communication between cells and improves memory functions in children. Most kids love eating eggs and even if they don't like one type, eggs are so versatile that there are a dozen other ways you could cook it for them.
6. Yogurt
There are plenty of reasons to feed your child yogurt, calcium and protein being only two of them. Lesser known, are the benefits yogurt can have on your child's neurological health. The good fats in yogurt are essential for the development of a healthy brain. In addition, the probiotics in yogurt are also shown to improve a person's mood, which is just the thing you want when your toddler is throwing a temper tantrum. Whiz it up with fruits and your child won't even ask for ice cream.
7. Green Leafy Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are loaded with powerful antioxidants that can protect a growing brain from harmful free radicals. They also improve cognitive functioning and prevent a decline in neurological functions. It can be extremely difficult to feed your child greens, but with a little creativity, it's not impossible. Children eat with their eyes, so a vibrant green monster smoothie, kale chips or green omelets right from a Dr. Seuss book can intrigue them into eating their spinach.
8. Fish
Fish is your one stop for all brainy goodness. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are bursting with Omega 3 fatty acids which your child's brain desperately needs. They prevent memory loss and declining mental skills and also contain a healthy portion of Vitamin D. Prepare a batch of fish cakes or make your kids a tuna sandwich to get them eating and loving fish.
9. Olive Oil
Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids which are excellent for brain development. Switching out your regular cooking oil for olive oil can benefit your whole family and in particular, your kid. Just because it's healthier, doesn't mean you can start making oily, deep fried food though. Use it sparingly in your cooking and let your child enjoy its multiple wonderful health benefits.
1. Walnuts
If it looks like a brain, it must be good for the brain, right? Walnuts are one of the best sources of Omega 3 out there. Omega 3 is the ultimate brain booster because it produces DHA, an essential structural component of the neurological system. In addition, walnuts are also high in Vitamin E which improves cognitive functions.
2. Avocados
Avocados are nature's answers to almost every problem. One of the reasons they're so good for you is because they're packed with good fat. Your child's developing brain needs all the fat it can get to grow to its full potential. Kids may not take to the taste too well at first (don't worry, they'll learn and join the avocado cult when they're older and wiser). To introduce the taste to them, spread it on some toast to make a sandwich or use it as a dip with healthy crisps.
3. Apples
Kids love anything sweet and fruits are one of the easiest health foods to get them to eat. While any fruit is good for them, apples in particular, contain an antioxidant called quercetin which is especially good for the brain. Quercetin has been shown to fight off signs of decline in mental skills and keep your kids focused all day. Mix apple cubes in their breakfast so they get to reap its benefits every day.
4. Oatmeal
You probably already know how bad sugary cereals are for your child, but in the rush of a school morning, you just don't have the time to coax them into eating anything else. Oatmeal is a great alternative because it can be sweetened and yet retains all of its nutritional values. Oats suck up the bad cholesterol in your child's bloodstream and keeps the brain arteries fully clear, thus improving their memory skills. If your child makes a fuss about eating oatmeal, decorate it with colorful berries and fruits to make it look more appealing.
5. Eggs
Eggs are probably the best thing you can feed your child, no matter what your concern is. They're one of the most nutritious foods ever and keep your child's entire body healthy. For the brain especially, egg yolks help form the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Acetylcholine facilitates communication between cells and improves memory functions in children. Most kids love eating eggs and even if they don't like one type, eggs are so versatile that there are a dozen other ways you could cook it for them.
6. Yogurt
There are plenty of reasons to feed your child yogurt, calcium and protein being only two of them. Lesser known, are the benefits yogurt can have on your child's neurological health. The good fats in yogurt are essential for the development of a healthy brain. In addition, the probiotics in yogurt are also shown to improve a person's mood, which is just the thing you want when your toddler is throwing a temper tantrum. Whiz it up with fruits and your child won't even ask for ice cream.
7. Green Leafy Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are loaded with powerful antioxidants that can protect a growing brain from harmful free radicals. They also improve cognitive functioning and prevent a decline in neurological functions. It can be extremely difficult to feed your child greens, but with a little creativity, it's not impossible. Children eat with their eyes, so a vibrant green monster smoothie, kale chips or green omelets right from a Dr. Seuss book can intrigue them into eating their spinach.
8. Fish
Fish is your one stop for all brainy goodness. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are bursting with Omega 3 fatty acids which your child's brain desperately needs. They prevent memory loss and declining mental skills and also contain a healthy portion of Vitamin D. Prepare a batch of fish cakes or make your kids a tuna sandwich to get them eating and loving fish.
9. Olive Oil
Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids which are excellent for brain development. Switching out your regular cooking oil for olive oil can benefit your whole family and in particular, your kid. Just because it's healthier, doesn't mean you can start making oily, deep fried food though. Use it sparingly in your cooking and let your child enjoy its multiple wonderful health benefits.
Comments
Post a Comment