9 superfoods for your infant's brain development
So, your little bundle of joy is growing up slowly. Your child will start learning new things, words, colours, shapes and sounds. Activities such as playing games and listening to rhymes will help in the proper functioning of grey cells. As these initial years are crucial for your child’s brain development, you need to feed him or her brain-healthy foods.
Below is a list of the nutrient-rich superfoods that will enhance your baby’s brain development –
Eggs
Eggs are delicious and packed with nutrients. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, it has essential nutrients such as lutein, zinc and choline, all of which help in improving concentration. Choline produces acetylcholine, which in turns develops memory stem cells and enhances memory.
Egg yolks are easy to digest for babies and are also very nutritious. These have cholesterol, which consists of the outer lining of the brain cells. Yolks also have fat-soluble vitamins such as selenium and Vitamin B12, which are great for your child’s brain.
Chia seeds
Chia seeds have become very popular among adults for being a storehouse of nutrients. But it is beneficial for kids too! Chia seeds offer a healthy dose of Omega-3 fatty acids, along with fibre, potassium, magnesium and other vital nutrients. It is also packed with antioxidants.
Doctors sometimes recommend pregnant women to have chia seeds, which will be beneficial for their child’s brain development.
Avocados
These are popular for being skin-healthy, but they have nutrients which are good for brain functioning. Avocados have unsaturated fats that enhance blood flow to the brain. It is packed with B-vitamins and oleic acid, which protects myelin, a fatty substance that is present around the brain’s nerve cells. It helps in transporting information at 200 miles per hour inside your infant’s brain.
The high concentration of complex B-vitamins help in reducing the chances of hypertension that may occur later in your kid’s life.
Greek yoghurt
Greek yoghurt is popular all over the world for being rich in calcium, healthy fat and protein. It has B-complex vitamins that are important for developing the neurotransmitters and brain tissues. Including Greek yoghurt in your baby’s diet will help in making their brain cell membranes more flexible. This will in turn help in send and receive information fast.
This amazing superfood also has probiotics that helping in strengthening the microbiome. Plus, as the texture of the yoghurt is smooth and creamy, you kids will enjoy having it along with their lunch or dinner.
Spinach
When it comes to leafy green vegetables, spinach is a great option for your baby. Spinach has an important brain-boosting nutrient called lutein. Other essential nutrients that are important for your baby’s brain are Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate and iron. Folate is good for keeping brain disorders such as dementia at bay.
Moreover, spinach is also rich in antioxidants that are also good for powering up the brain. If your kid is not fond of spinach, introduce him or her to PopEye the sailorman, who has bulging muscles by eating spinach. Otherwise, you can make a smoothie and feed the little one.
Oatmeal
This is a popular breakfast option that can prove to be healthy for the brain due to its nutrients. Oats are packed with Vitamin K, protein, niacin, iron, phosphorus, thiamin, folate and sodium. All these brain-healthy nutrients can improve spatial memory. Oats are also very rich in zinc, Vitamin E and B-Complex vitamins.
It also has fibre that is beneficial for keeping the digestive tract healthy, and so your child’s little tummy is okay!
Fish
To boost your little kiddo’s brain, you cannot forget to include fatty fish in their diet. Fatty fish such as tuna, salmons and mackerel are all rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which is fantastic for the building brain tissues. Regular consumption of fishes will help your infant’s brain grow and enhance their cognitive development.
Salmon is a rich source of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which comprises of more than 2/3rd of the fatty acids in the brain. This is an essential component for brain function.
Berries
Berries are delicious and infants are fans of these. Turns out that berries are great for their little brains too! Berries have Vitamin C and antioxidants which are good for the brain. Even the seeds of these tasty berries are useful, as they have Omega-3 fatty acids, which boosts cognitive development.
The antioxidants in berries such as Blueberry assists the brain’s motor control and prevents inflammation to the neurons.
Nuts
Walnuts, peanuts and almonds are al great for boosting your child’s brain. These nuts have high levels of Zinc and Vitamin E, which help in cognitive development and memory functioning. It also prevents disorders like cognitive degeneration.
All these foods must be provided to your little one after consulting your paediatrician. Keep stocking the foods according to your doctor’s recommendations.
