Boost Your Child's Brain Power

Brain is an amazing control center

The human brain has about 100 billion brain cells (neurons). Brain is a small yet amazing control center of thought processes, emotions, memory, learning and other bodily functions. In the early part of life, where intensive learning takes place, your child's brain undergoes massive fine-turning processes.However we often neglect the fact that the brain needs to be 'fed' with nutrients in order for it to function well.

Optimum Nutrients

The brain is made up of more than 60% of fats. The brain cell structure needs plenty of protein. Brain chemicals that regulate learning, perception, moods and behaviour are made from amino acids, vitamins and minerals such as B6 and iron. Hence, your child's diet plays a critical role in how well his brain functions.

Nuts, Seeds & Avocados

Fats are raw material for brain. Your child's brain needs good fats, not those from french fries, fried chiken wings, caked, donuts, chocolates, and potato chips. DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid, has the largest effect on brain fat composition. DHA is often found in fish oil. Other beneficial fat sources are nuts. (e.g. almond, macadamia), seeds (e.g.sesame, sunflower seeds) and avocados.

Fish, Beans, Nuts, Seeds and Lean Meat

Protein is building block for brain chemicals. Amino acids, which proteins are made of, are used to produce brain chemicals such as epinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. These brain chemicals affect your child's concentration and moods. Protein can be obtained from fish, lean meat, poultry, beans, nuts and seeds.

Grains

Carbohydrates are a source of energy for the brain. Steer clear of highly refined carbohydrates which will often disturb your child's blood sugar and causes drowsiness. Notice how your child's concentration declines after eating white flour products such as white bread, cakes, biscuits, donuts, or other high-sugar foods?

Even white rice, pasta or noodles can affect concentration levels. Good carbohydrates sources are wholegrain such as brown rice, buckwheat, oar, millet, and other such as pumpkin and sweet potatoes.

Fruits & Vegetables

Nutrients like vitamins and minerals transform the building blocks into useful material for the brain. Some of the important brain vitamins are vitamin C, vitamin B6, B12 and folate.

Deficiencies has been link to slower brain functions. Minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron are also important. Deficiencies may lead to reduced concentration and poor memory. These vitamins and minerals are found in fresh vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds and wholegrain. Hence, your child's diet should include a wide array of fresh and wholesome natural foods.

Practical Tips

Eat in the morning. Breakfast provides your child with energy and nutrients for the morning, when learning in school takes place.

Make sure your child drinks enough water. A dehydrated mind is foggy mind.

Limit sweet foods- this will go a long way for good health.

Discuss and share with your child information about healthy food choices and nutrition. Convince rather than compel him to eat healthy foods.

Set good example by eating healthily.

Copyright (c) 2010 Kids IQ

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