Brain food is not a new concept, but do you know exactly which foods have the best research to support their claims of being beneficial to children?Which of the several available options are safe for your child to eat and receive a concentration boost? Stay with us as we answer that question as precisely as possible next.
1. Eggs
Eggs in any form will always be brain food because they are one of the most complete natural sources of essential nutrients known to us.From protein, selenium, and zinc to iodine, folate and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, eggs have everything a growing child needs to develop their cognitive abilities at a faster rate. However, it’s the high choline and vitamin D content in eggs that makes them the best source of natural brain food for anybody and not just children.
2. Olive Oil
Food cooked in extra virgin olive oil has been linked to both improving cognitive abilities in children and adults, as well as to prevention of cognitive decline in seniors. The antioxidizingphenylethanoid known as hydroxytyrosol, and omega-3 fatty acids found in extra virgin olive oil are established as the primary nutrients responsible for the neuroprotective and neuro-linking effects.
3. Fatty Fish
Fatty fish is an excellent source of both protein and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as being one of the most complete natural sources of essential nutrients that anybody can eat. According to the National Spine Health Foundation, salmon and olive oil are among the six recognized sources of natural nutrition which play an active role in improving spine health and reducing neck/back pain. Given how much of their time children spend in front of computers these days, they are at a significantly higher risk of developing spine related health issues than previous generations.
If you hear them complaining about a stiff neck or back, first ensure that your child is using one of these ergonomic kids computer chairs. No one can possibly concentrate on anything if they are not comfortable while sitting in front of a desk for so many hours.While there are plenty of fish that make the list, salmon, mackerel, herring, sardine, and tuna are the best options. To protect your child’s spine and help them achieve more in school, prepare a tasty dish in olive oil that has both eggs and fatty fish in it.
4. Berries
Whether berries are fruits or not is a topic of scientific debate, but no dietary expert will argue that some berries do have a positive impact on children’s cognition. The cognition-boosting effects of strawberries, mulberries, blackcurrants, blueberries, and blackberries are not just limited to children, but children and elders seem to benefit the most from the antioxidants inside these berries. They may help build new neural links between neurons (plasticity), repair/improve existing links,and prevent cognitive decline.
5. Nuts: Almonds and Hazelnuts
Nuts in general are extremely dependable sources of nutrition, but hazelnuts and almonds have been particularly linked to improved memory and focus. They are more beneficial to elders than kids, but kids will also benefit from eating them regularly.
Since nut allergies are quite common, do not feed your child any almond or hazelnut unless you have confirmed the fact that they are not allergic to them. Failure to do so can be extremely dangerousand life-threatening. Other than the nuts though, all foods on this list are safe for most children. Anyone can still be allergic to anything, so general caution is still advised.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
