Proper nutrition is essential for a healthy life, but did you know that there are certain foods you can feed your child to help give them a big boost in the IQ department? When meal time rolls around, try dishing out these foods to fuel your child’s brain.
Eggs Eggs are chock-full of protein and make for a wonderful way to begin the day. Egg yolks are also full of choline, a nutrient that helps develop the memory.
Salmon Give your child a sharper mind and stronger mental health skills by serving up salmon. It’s an incredibly rich source of omega-3 fatty acids which are instrumental for brain growth and function.
Peanut butter That peanut butter and jelly sandwich is better for your child than you ever imagined! Peanuts and peanut butter contain lots of vitamin E and thiamin, which gets the brain and nervous system to use up glucose to create energy.
Oatmeal Another great way to start the day is to serve your child oatmeal for breakfast. Oats give little brains big energy. It’s also loaded with fiber which will keep your child’s belly full and keep the brain chugging along. It’s one of the most powerful foods for fueling your child’s brain and getting it to function optimally.
Whole grains When you serve up that peanut butter, do it on a slice of whole grain bread. Whole grains carry a lot of fiber too, and help control glucose in the body. It’s a winning combination that tastes great too!
Beans Children like to make fun of beans because of the old song, but that’s not what makes beans unique. They give little ones big protein, complex carbs and a heaping dose of fiber. They’re brimming with vitamins and minerals and really boost the brain. The best ones to fill up with are pinto beans and kidney beans. Put them in soups or on top of salad.
Dairy Milk and yogurt in particular are full of protein and B vitamins. This promotes the growth of brain tissue. Because children need more vitamin D than adults, enjoying a big glass of milk with all these brain foods will really do a body good.
Vibrant veggies and fruits Fruits are great for you but the best ones to eat are bright-colored berries because they contain tons of antioxidants. Vegetables are also important, and the brighter the color, the better the content of antioxidants that will aid your child with brain development and keep them nourished as they work and play.