Brain foods for kids

What foods can increase memory in kids?

Foods to boost your child’s brain power

What foods can improve focus and concentration in kids?

We know that good food is the basis of the all healthy body functions and brain is no exception.We had shared some simple activities that can stimulate a baby’s brain and the boost brain development in babies and toddlers.

Do you know that there are some foods which can also aid in brain development and improve memory and concentration in kids?

Foods to boost your child’s brain power

 

Brain foods for kids : Almonds

Every one must remember how mothers used to soak almonds overnight and then give us first thing in the morning. It might look like an old wives tale but it is not without basis. Almonds are a proven super-food, which help in repairing brain cells and boost cognitive functions including memory.

Free radicals are responsible for breaking down brain cells. Almonds are rich in Zinc, which fights the free radicals in your blood stream.

Almonds are also rich in vitamin B6 which promotes brain health and vitamin E which improves memory.

 

Brain foods for kids : Whole Grains

Most whole grains are high in fibre, so they get digested slowly, providing kids with a steady stream of energy, as well as giving them protein. Whole grains stabilise blood glucose levels. The brain is dependent on sugar or glucose for it’s optimum functioning.

Breakfast is critical for school going kids and children must have some whole grain items as a breakfast like chapati, paratha, idli, dosa, oatmeal, etc.

Brain foods for kids : Amla or Indian Gooseberries

Amla or Indian gooseberries have many many benefits. Amla is rich in antioxidants which fight the free radicals in body. Free radicals are responsible for attacking and breaking down brain cells.

Amla is very rich in vitamin C which helps in the production of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter which improves brain activity.

The iron content in Amla facilitates oxygen transportation and prevents brain degeneration.

 

Brain foods for kids : Berries

Berries are rich in antioxidants as well vitamins. It has been seen that they can significantly improve memory as well as learning capacity. They also protect the brain from degeneration and oxidative stress.

Include all kinds of berries in you diet like strawberries, blueberries, black berries, jamuns etc.

 

Brain foods for kids : Nuts

 

Nuts like walnut and peanuts are rich in vitamin E which protect nervous membranes and help ward off mental ailments like Alzheimer’s disease. Nuts also have thiamine to help the brain and nervous system use glucose for energy.

 

Brain foods for kids: Green Leafy Vegetables & Dark Green Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables and dark green vegetables like broccoli are rich in vitamins A and K which are responsible for slower mental deterioration. They also improve cognitive function.

 

Brain foods for kids: Fermented Foods, Full fat yogurt/ curd

 

Yogurt and similar fermented foods have been proven to improve cognitive responsiveness.

The good bacteria in fermented foods can have mood altering or anti-depressant effects

 

Brain foods for kids : Water

 

Water is an often overlooked nutrient for good mental growth and health. Water and brain health are intricately related. Brain cells need two times more energy than other cells in the body. Water provides this energy more effectively than any other substance.

Good hydration by drinking ample amounts of water will not just help with better thinking, it can also help in preventing attention deficit disorder in kids as well as adults.

 

Brain foods for kids : Eggs

 

Eggs are rich is vitamin B12 and essential fatty acids.  Egg yolk contains concentrated amounts of choline while helps in  brain development in foetus and kids. Choline also helps in memory development.

 

Brain foods for kids: Fatty Fish

Fish like salmon, trout, sardines and mackerel are full of essential and omega 3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids are important for healthy brain function as well as well-being of heart, joints and our general wellbeing.

These help in keeping your brain running smoothly and also improve concentration in kids. There are more foods to boost your child’s brain power. Would you like to add o this list?