Brain develops rapidly during early years of childhood. So, it is very important to provide the children with nutrient-dense foods to optimise the development of the brain.
Choosing the right food is essential in keeping a healthy body, thus providing enough nutrients to support their learning and skills.
Nevertheless, this can’t be anymore complicated. We all understand the struggle for mothers in making sure that their children are taking the right nutrients so they can grow healthy and smart. And this, sometimes, can be an endless puzzle!
Worry no more. Fortunately, we have scientists and experts who did the job for us in finding the nutrients for the healthy brains. Here are some of the key nutrients that we can learn:
The Key Nutrients towards a Healthy Brain
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Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids or known as DHA is essential to brain health. Omega-3 is useful in connecting the neurons within the brain and maintaining its functions.
Interestingly, Omega-3 is also important in the eye function, which helps to promote a healthier vision. Omega-3 is abundantly found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, walnuts, almonds, garlic and olive oil.
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Antioxidants
Antioxidant is crucial in protecting the cells from the damage caused by free radicals emitted by the process of oxidation. Hence, keeping the cells including the neurons and blood cells to function well thus supporting the information transfer within the body.
Antioxidants rich foods including berries, dark chocolate, green leafy vegetables and many other plant products.
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Vitamin B
The vitamin B family, including vitamin B1, B12 and B3 play a significant role in the metabolism process.
Various types of vitamin B, such as Niacin or B3 helps in the glucose (energy) metabolism and increases blood circulation to the brain.
Deficiency in vitamin B such as vitamin B12 may affect the memory functions and cognition. Vitamin B can be found in whole grains such as brown rice, barley and millet; red meat, legumes and fruits such as banana and avocado.
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Magnesium
Magnesium is important in the development of the brain. It promotes the signaling between the neurons within the brain and playing essential roles in cognition.
Magnesium also boosts the release of hormone serotonin (happy hormone) that can help promote good mood and positive energy. Therefore, helps in learning skills.
Magnesium can be found in whole grains food such as brown rice, green leafy vegetables, nuts and beans.
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Iron
Iron is an essential mineral in the production of red blood cells. Red blood cells transport oxygen and help supply it to the whole body, including the brain. It is not only that, iron can enter the brain through the blood-brain barrier.
In the brain, iron promotes concentration and sharpens memory. An increased intake of iron may be helpful for the overall brain health and cognition. You can get high iron content in food such as seafood, red meat, spinach and iron-fortified cereals or bread.
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Fiber
Fiber rich foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains have incredible impact on brain function. Fiber is a complex carbohydrate that provides a long lasting energy to the body, as well as the brain.
A slow and steady release of sugar helps the energy supply to the brain last longer, thus maintaining concentration. This will help in the learning process.
Nutritious food is a big help, but don’t forget to let them play more.
The key here is of course, nutritious food. Yes, only a high quality and unprocessed food for our smart “professor”.
Remember, a child’s brain develops tremendously fast during baby to toddler years. Their brains absorb learning like a sponge.
However, nutrients alone are not enough. Playing can promote their motor skills. This will help to activate billions of neuron connections within the brain.
Along with a healthy diet, doing more activities with your children will help in their learning and who knows which experts you are raising? Is it scientists, academics, engineers, or doctors?
Good luck mama!