Which brain foods are the best for my child’s development?

Parents do a number of things to make sure that their children grow up healthy, happy, and perform the best they can at school. They make sure to check their homework every day they hire tutors to help them out with a specific subject, but have you ever thought about how food affects your child’s cognitive abilities?

There’s a category of food that has been nicknamed "brain foods" because they can help with the development of that all-important organ. These foods are believed to improve brain function, memory and help people (especially children) concentrate better.

All human beings require a nutritious diet to maintain their health however this is especially important for children since they are at the growing stage and the food they consume during their childhood will affect their cognitive ability in the future.

So without further ado, let's have a look at the brain foods that will help your child’s brain develop better.

Of course, there are many different products that benefit brain function in some way or another, so this is not an exhaustive list; but these foods are believed to be most beneficial and this is why we include them in our list.

Greek yogurt.

One of the most common products that can be found in almost all supermarkets, full-fat Greek yogurt is the protein powerhouse. Greek yogurt contains on average double the amount of protein compared to regular yogurt. This is because it has been strained which means that as much of the whey (liquid) has been removed from it as possible.

Other than being extremely nutritious and beneficial for your child, it is also delicious and very versatile. You can serve it in a variety of ways with both sweet and salty dishes.

For a quick and delicious snack mix a cup of yogurt with the cereal and fruit of your choice. You can add some dark chocolate chips for extra flavor if you wish.

In the end, how you serve it is up to you, you will accrue the benefits either way.

Eggs.

Is anybody surprised to see eggs on this list? I suspect not. The humble egg has a solid reputation for being generally good for health and it is also beneficial for the development of your child’s brain.

The protein contained in the egg yolk will help your child concentrate better. Another important nutrient found in eggs is called choline. It supports various bodily functions and is instrumental in memory development.

The best part about the egg is that it is super easy to find and cook. You can prepare it in any way you wish, as long as you get it inside your body it will do its magic.

Salmon.

You have probably heard about omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, you may have even seen omega-3 supplements on a shelf in your local pharmacy. This nutrient has long been praised for its role in the development of the human brain.

Research has indicated that people who consume omega-3 regularly tend to have sharper minds and perform better in mental skills tests. But did you know that eating salmon on a regular basis would provide you with all the omega-3 fatty acids you needed?

Not only is the salmon great for your child’s brain development it is also absolutely scrumptious.

It can be cooked in a variety of ways: fried, poached, baked, make your choice.

Whole-grains.

Our brains require a constant supply of glucose to function properly which can be found in whole grains. Whole grain products contain vitamin B which is crucial for maintaining a healthy nervous system. And the fiber these products contain helps regulate the release of glucose in the body.

You can accumulate all of these benefits by buying a whole grain cereal or a whole grain bread in your local supermarket. Alternatively, you can have a whole wheat couscous for dinner. There are also whole-grain snacks such as chips and tortillas, so this brain food is really not difficult to source.

Oats.

For generations people have been aware of the benefits oats can bring. No wonder porridge is one of the most popular breakfast foods in the entire world. A bowl of oats in the morning gives you a boost of energy and jumpstarts your brain.

And oats are especially beneficial for children since it is crucial for them to be alert and focused while they are at school during the first half of the day.

Oats are mainly known as a source of fiber but they also contain vitamin E, vitamin D, zinc, and potassium all of which your body and brain need to function at their best.

Check out our page for tips on healthy breakfast ideas and what to cook for your child. 

Green vegetables.

If you have a child who likes to eat kale and spinach you are one lucky parent. When given the choice many children may not pick these types of vegetables however they are vital for the healthy development of the brain since they support the growth of new brain cells. The antioxidants contained in darker vegetables keep human brain cells strong and healthy.

If your child doesn’t like eating greens you can try blending them into smoothies instead of serving them in a salad. Alternatively, you can include spinach in omelets or even lasagna. Soups and stews are another great way to sneak in a couple of vegetables.

Different types of berries.

Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and even cherries are delicious and highly beneficial brain foods. The more intense the color the better the berries are for your brain.

Numerous studies have shown that consuming blueberries and strawberries helps improve memory function. In addition, all of these berries are high in antioxidants (especially vitamin C) which is crucial for boosting human beings' immune system.

And the best thing about berries is that they do not require any cooking. You can mix them into your yogurt or your cereal or just eat them as they are. For more ideas, you can also check out this blog site that has good reviews.

To conclude, having a healthy diet is essential for the development of a well-functioning brain, and the superfoods listed above will help your child achieve that.

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