Feed your Child’s Brain

We all wish our children to have an intelligence that rivals Albert Einstein’s. Even though genes play a significant role in determining a child’s intelligence, research shows us that nutrition also plays an important in developing intellectual capabilities during formative years.

There is a small window in which you can influence your little one’s social and intellectual development.
We need to understand the importance of early brain stimulation.
Providing the little ones with the right nutrients is essential for their mental health since it would be developing rapidly.
A child’s early years are critical and nutrition affects his/her brain development.
I would say that the brain is the most hungry organ, since it’s the first organ to absorb nutrients from the food we eat. Thus when I say feed your child’s brain, you really are technically feeding the brain first.

Garbage in garbage out:

This is a computer programming phrase which means you won’t get the output you intend if you don’t input the correct functions in the right way.
It’s the same with what kind of nutrients we supply to our families.
We must take this opportunity as parents to precisely provide our children with the right input, so their body and brain functions at the optimal level.
In order to create good habits that last for a child’s lifetime, we must input the right habits early in life.

Today I would be talking about food that would not only promote good health, but would also give your child the best possible nutrients for his brain to concentrate, remember and think clearly.

Feed your child’s brain these foods:

1. Spinach/Kale:

Kale is rich in fiber, antioxidants, calcium, vitamin K and is a gould source of vitamin C and iron. Spinach is a superfood, loaded with tons of nutrients like protein, iron, vitamins, and minerals. These foods act as a Memory booster and Improves learning.

2. DHA:

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) is a type of omega-3 fatty acid and an important nutrient for the brain. It is found in a handful of foods such as seeds, fish, fish oil and fortified foods. As per research, intake of DHA is directly correlated with the development of motor, communication and visual skills among children.

The level of DHA received by consuming regular food is low compared to how much is sufficient for growth and development. Hence it becomes essential to include fortified foods that bridge the gap.

As it plays such a crucial role, I have recently started giving my girls Enfagrow A+, a nutritional supplement that comes in a flavor they love. I just have to add a spoonful of the powder to a glass of milk. It also easily dissolves in cold water too due to it’s fine texture.

Apart from DHA, Enfagrow A+ contains the following:

Zinc and Iron
Choline
Protein
Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12
Iodine
Thiamine
Folic Acid

As children are often picky eaters, Enfagrow A+ makes sure my daughters get the nutrition they need.

3. Whole Grains / Oatmeal:

· Vitamin B – keeps the nervous system healthy
· Helps in Functioning efficiently at full capacity
· Helps in focusing and fuelling the mind
· Fibre and Glucose present in it regulates the release of Glucose
· Contains Vitamin E, Zinc and potassium

4. Beans/ Lean meats:

· It’s a great brain food
· Improves concentration
· Provides complex carbs, protein, fibre and iron which provides high energy and improves the thinking capability for a sustained amount of time

5. Colourful Berries – Blackberries, Blueberries, Strawberries, Cherries, Black Currants and Raspberries:

· Provides high level of Vitamin C (antioxidants that protect cells)
· Improves memory

Along with these foods, don’t forget to make your child drink plenty of water everyday so all the wonderful nutrients are absorbed well into the body.
It’s crucial to stimulate your child’s senses and encourage brain development throughout the early years.

P.S. This isn’t an exhaustible list, however it could get you started with some food choices for optimal brain development.

#HappyEnfaMothers #EnfagrowIndia