Certain foods are just awesome for the brain. And when it comes to a baby’s brain, these foods can do wonders. The brain develops substantially in the first three years of a baby’s life. “Brain foods” help accelerate a baby’s brain growth including its functions, concentration and memory. Babies learn the major activities like thinking, responding and analyzing in their initial years. Feeding the brain with the right nutrition could help your baby grow into a real brainiac. The brain is considered to be a very hungry organ as it is one of the first few organs to derive its nutrition from the food we eat. These superfoods are found to boost brain development in babies and will help you raise the next Sheldon Cooper!
1. Salmon
Fat composes a large proportion of our brain making the role of fatty acids indispensable. Salmon, tuna, mackerel and other oily fishes are rich in omega-3 fatty acids- essential for brain development. Omega-3 fatty acids are the building blocks of the brain tissue. They also assist in the brain’s growth and normal functioning. Studies suggest that a diet rich in fish oil could help children improve their mental abilities.
2. Vegetables
Deep-colored vegetables are excellent source of antioxidants. Antioxidants destroy free radicals that harm healthy brain cells. Tomatoes, pumpkin, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes and other richly colored vegetables are some of the vegetables that are best suited to a child’s brain. Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and chard are helpful in keeping dementia at bay as they are rich in folate. Folate is a type of Vitamin B which helps tissues grow and cells work.
3. Milk and Yogurt
Milk and yogurt have proteins and vitamin B in abundance. These have an important role in the growth of brain tissue, neurotransmitters and essential enzymes. Protein and carbohydrates are also present in large quantities in dairy products, which are the brain’s preferred source of energy. Although plain yogurt is also good, Greek yogurt is considered to be better. Greek yogurt is found to contain double the amount of saturated fats than the plain variety enhancing the flexibility of brain’s cells aiding smooth flow of information across them. It also provides your kid with Vitamin B12 which again is required for smooth brain functioning and DNA synthesis.
4. Eggs
Eggs are popular as a rich protein source. But, did you know it boosts memory and concentration? Egg yolk contains lecithin, choline and lutein which enhance brain development. Choline produces acetylcholine, also known as memory stem cells. These help memory development in kids. Lecithin and lutein contribute in a big way towards concentration and memory too. Iron is also found in egg yolks which has a role in proper functioning of the brain.
5. Nuts
Walnuts, almonds and peanuts are an excellent source of energy. They also help kids keep fuller while playing or studying. Munching on nuts provides them with zinc, Vitamin E and B1 (thiamine). Zinc has its role in accelerating memory and brain development. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant and protects the nervous membranes, while Vitamin B1 helps the brain and nervous system use glucose by aiding glucose metabolism.
6. Berries
We have already seen how richly colored vegetables are a great source of antioxidants. Similar case with berries. Strawberries, blueberries, cherries, blackberries and others are packed with nutrition. They have high levels of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Vitamin C improves memory, prevents oxidative stress in the brain and improves learning abilities. Apart from the fact that they are great brain foods, they also boost the immune system and help prevent cancer in babies and adults both. The seeds of berries are known to have omega-3 fatty acids- the building blocks of the brain’s gray matter.
