How to Give Kids the Brain Foods They Need

Nutritious food, water and oxygen are needed to keep your child's brain operating at maximum efficiency. With the focus on healthy bodies, it is important to remember that mental performance, mood, coordination, balance and concentration can all be improved by eating the right foods. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Kids who eat breakfast do better in school and have fewer behavior problems than kids who don't eat breakfast. Slowly digested protein and complex carbohydrates are far better than high sugar foods. Try eggs, whole wheat toast, French toast and oatmeal instead of sugary cereal.
2. Strawberries and blueberries are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants are important for healthy brain functioning.
3. Whole grains are a good source of vitamin B. Whole wheat bread is rich in folate, a vitamin B used in the manufacture of memory cells. Whole grains have other B vitamins that improve alertness and other brain functions. Make your child's sandwich on whole wheat bread.
4. The calcium found in milk, yogurt, cheese, beans, almonds and other high calcium foods affects how energy is regulated. Calcium also is important for insulin regulation. New research indicates calcium from low fat dairy also has an important role in obesity prevention.
5. Studies have shown that kids (and most adults) don't drink enough water. Dehydration causes the brain to work well below its capacity. Water is critical for good concentration and alertness.
6. Many children suffer from iron deficiency. Iron affects cognitive functioning. Lean beef is a good source of both iron and zinc. Lack of zinc impairs memory.
7. Include plenty of protein rich foods in your child's diet to optimize alertness and mental performance. Proteins are important in the creation of neurotransmitters which are important for the thinking process.
8. Fish may be one of the best brain foods around. Fish have high levels of both choline and omega-3 fatty acids. Both substances are linked to effective brain function.

Tips & Warnings

• It is wise to offer your child a variety of foods.
• Fast food meals are fine occasionally. There are many healthier alternatives.