A person’s cognitive abilities are their set of mental abilities that are required to help them perform the simplest or the most complex tasks. For a child, developing these abilities can help him stand out in the crowd. It can help them learn faster, remember more, and excel at studies and other mentally challenging activities. While most parents know that brain exercises can develop these skills, not many are aware of the role your child’s diet can plays in this.
When a brain is stressed, it releases inflammatory cytokines. These chemicals cause inflammation through the immune system. Inflammation can lead to various autoimmune diseases. The food your child eats is responsible for keeping his immune system in check. Hormones produced in the gut are also directed to the brain and influence cognitive abilities. Food also ensures that the brain is receiving the right nutrition to function at its highest ability. Thus, foods play a vital role in a child’s brain development. Here we list a few foods that can help the brain develop better in your child.
- Blueberries
Blueberries are some of the most nutrient-dense foods you can find. They are rich in antioxidants, and vitamins C and K. Blueberries contain gallic acid, an enzyme that helps prevent brain degeneration. They are also delicious, so you won’t have to convince your kids too much about eating them.
- Broccoli
Broccoli is known as a brain food. It is loaded with vitamin K and choline, which help in keeping your child’s brain functions well and also aid in improving memory. While most kids dread the very mention of broccoli, all you need is a little innovation. Mash it up in a paste or combine in their favorite meat dish.
- Dark Chocolate
Your kids are going to eat plenty of chocolate, whether you like it or not. It’s good then that dark chocolates come loaded with flavonols that are rich in antioxidants. These flavonols reduce inflammation and support the nervous system. Chocolates that have high cocoa content are the best options whereas the lighter milk varieties are not as good.
- Salmon
Salmon is one of the healthiest proteins you can eat. It comes with plenty of omega three fatty acids that are essential for smooth functioning of the brain. Salmon can prevent ADHD in children and improve concentration.
- Walnuts
Walnuts are a great tasting, healthy snack. Include a few of them in your child’s diet to help improve cognitive functioning. Like most nuts, it is high in antioxidants and minerals that increase mental alertness. Vitamin E, present in spades in walnuts can ward off brain diseases like Alzheimer’s in adults. They are also delicious which means you wouldn’t have to convince your kids a lot to have them.
- Avocados
Avocados are great tasting fruit and are also great for brain development. They contain folate and vitamin K that help in improving your child’s cognitive abilities including memory and concentration. They also come loaded with Vitamins B and C. They are also extremely versatile making them an easy addition to a smoothie or fruit salad.
- Celery
Celery comes packed with antioxidants and polysaccharides and is a very nutrient-dense vegetable.
It is also low in calories which makes it a great light snack for your child while also helping them develop cognitive abilities.
- Whole Eggs
Egg yolks contain choline, a nutrient that was found to increase brain development in the fetus. This makes it an essential part of any pregnant woman’s diet. They are also packed with protein, an essential nutrient for your child to grow.
- Beets
Beets aren’t the most popular vegetable, but are one of the healthiest. They help reduce inflammation and come packed with antioxidants that help flush toxins and may even help prevent cancer. They have also been found to improve blood flow to the brain through nitrates, which helps improve your ability to think. You can chop them fine in a salad or make a paste, and your child will never know the difference.
These nine foods aren’t just delicious but also help develop your child’s cognitive abilities. Make sure your children get as much of these incredible foods in their diet as possible, so they can reap the full benefits. Happy Parenting!