Foods that make your kids sharper

Initial years of kids are crucial in terms of growth and development. Whether it’s physical growth and development, a kid’s overall growth decides his/her caliber for meeting day to day challenges. At every minute their brains surrender to rapid changes occurring around them.

The way the brain develops during the first two years after the birth is similar to how an infant develops during pregnancy. Nerves grow, get connected and covered with myelin (essential for optimal functioning of the nervous system), creating the systems which decide how a kid thinks and feels. These changes and connections stimulate sensory systems, memory, learning power, processing speed, attention, ability to control mood and impulses, and even the ability to multitask. Hence, the way the brain begins its journey stays the same for life.

In developing years of kids, many types of nutrients are essential, especially for their brain because what kids eat is directly related to their brain’s development including overall health. Specific nutrients necessary for brain development are: protein, iron, zinc, folate, iodine, choline, omega-3 fatty acids (polyunsaturated fatty acids) Vitamins A, B6, B12 and D. So, here we present 6 brain Foods  for your kids which will help them to get the most from what they tend to practice in their daily life. Here are some wonderful foods that are good for the brains:

•   Beans: Beans are counted among the top brain foods as they have high energy derived from protein, fiber, and complex carbs plus a rich proportion of vital vitamins and minerals. Beans are an excellent food source for brain since they keep a kid’s thinking level at peak, especially pinto and kidney beans as they are laden with more of omega-3 fatty acids than any other beans. Eggs, on the other hand, is also a well-known source of protein like beans, which helps in memory development due to the choline present in egg yolk.
• Salmon: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) essential for brain growth and its functioning as DHA is a predominant structural element in the nervous system. Therefore, the consistency of DHA in the becomes crucial for brain development. Fatty fish like salmon thus is an excellent source of both, DHA and EPA. While tuna too is a pretty much good source of omega-3s but not that rich like salmon. Tuna as well is a good source but because of lean protein it’s not that high in omega-3s like salmon is.
• Dairy Products: Milk and plain yogurt which are the rich sources of calcium. But besides its role in bone strengthening, calcium also appears to be an important nutrient in electrical signaling system within the brain. Dairy products are packed with protein and B vitamins which are essential for the growth of brain tissues, enzymes, and neurotransmitters. Milk and plain yogurt provide a punch of both, carbs and protein, vital nutrients source of energy for brain development.
• Oatmeal: Oatmeal fuels up the brain and satisfies hunger, reducing the chances of a mid-day crash. It contains choline, the much-needed nutrient to produce an important neurotransmitter for memory called acetylcholine. Oatmeal when topped with other brain-boosting such as blueberries, further enhances the mental functioning.
• Almonds and Walnuts: Packed with protein, healthy fatty acids and known for rich content of zinc, nuts, and seeds are also loaded with vitamins E, B and iron showing up for optimal brain functioning. Almonds and walnuts are naturally high in healthful monounsaturated fats.  Walnuts, in particular, are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Consumption of these nuts gives a boost to memory and keeps the nervous system under check.
•  Green Leafy Veggies and a Variety Of Fruits: Enriched with folate and vitamins dark leafy veggies like kale and spinach are linked to decreased odds of getting dementia (memory loss) later in life. Spinach and kale, in particular, are packed with antioxidants and many other necessary components that help in the growth of new brain cells. All the green leafy veggies and fruits, especially colored pigments protect the brain against free radical damage and oxidative stress. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and cherries in general, are more intense in its nutritional values specifically in antioxidants and vitamin C aiding in improved memory.

Over to you

The environment a child lives in, and the way how they are nurtured is also crucial for brain development. Breastfeeding also makes a big difference in the nourishment of kids. Nourish your kids with breast milk at an early stage and then with the listed brain foods to sharpen their minds.