• Skip to content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Shop ModernMom
  • Become An Insider

ModernMom

The premiere destination for moms

  • Parenting
    • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Kids
    • Tweens and Teens
    • ModernMom Monday Videos
  • Cooking
  • Living Healthy
    • Breast Cancer
    • Health & Fitness
    • Body after Baby
    • Beauty
    • Relationships
    • Love
  • Lifestyle
    • Crafts
    • At Home
    • Education
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Decorate
    • Money
    • Brooke Burke
  • Celebrate
    • Holidays
      • Easter
      • Valentine’s Day
      • New Year’s
      • Christmas
      • Hanukah
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
    • Birthdays
    • Parties
  • Must Have
  • Contests
  • Entertainment

Brain Food for Kids

December 10, 2010 by ds_9395 Leave a Comment

Mothers know that a healthy diet is vital for a healthy body. The vitamins and minerals found in fresh vegetables, fruit and milk build strong muscles and bones. What some mom might not realize, however, is that some foods feed the brain. These foods improve brain function, concentration and memory.

Source of Energy

Many of the foods that feed the brain are valuable because they provide a lasting source of energy. This steady source of fuel allows a child to perform better at school than foods that provide temporary bursts of energy which are followed by a crash. Other foods are composed of vitamins and minerals that do everything from forming memory stem cells to producing neurotransmitters.

What Foods?

Foods high in protein, whole grains and fiber provide your child’s brain with steady fuel without crashing. This is because they are digested slowly. Foods that are high in antioxidants improve memory, thinking skills and protect the brain. Foods that contain DHA literally build up your brain, according to AskDrSears.com. Choline and omega 3 fatty acids aid in concentration and improved brain activity.

Brainy Meals

Start your child’s day off right by giving her some whole-grain oatmeal, which will provide her with lasting energy. Improve her memory by adding a glass of orange juice, which contains vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that will improve her brain function. Add an egg, which contains choline to nudge her memory. For lunch, try some turkey, which contains an amino acid that produces the neurotransmitters that will help her remain alert, and vitamin-D fortified milk. An afternoon snack of DHA-fortified yogurt will continue to build her brain power, as will some apple slices dipped in peanut butter. For dinner, try sneaking in some iron-rich foods, such as a lean cut of beef, or even fresh spinach hidden in a garden salad.

What NOT to Feed Your Kid

Feeding the brain is not just about choosing the right foods. It’s also about limiting a child’s exposure to the chemicals that are used to preserve foods, as well as artificial flavors and colors. According to the Center of Ecoliteracy, the consumption of preservatives, artificial colors and artificial flavors is linked to poor behavior in children as young as 3. Wholesome, naturally grown foods are best for children.

Expert Insight

Children are notoriously picky eaters, but brain development is not something to take lightly. At first, your child may forcefully reject new, healthier foods, but if you are patient and offer them consistently, your child will soon come around to eating these more nutritious choices.

Comments

comments

Filed Under: Living Healthy

About ds_9395

April Sanders has been a professional writer since 1998. She has worked as an educator and now writes academic research content for EBSCO Publishing and elementary reading curriculum for Compass Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in social psychology from the University of Washington and a master's degree in information sciences and technology in education from Mansfield University.

Reader Interactions

Primary Sidebar

Search

Tell a friend

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
ModernMom Boutique

ModernMom TV

Featured

It’s One of Those “I Suck” Days…

Do you ever just have one of those I suck days? I do - a … [Read More...] about It’s One of Those “I Suck” Days…

Must Have

STEM-related Toys to Include in Your Child’s Easter Basket This Year 

April has arrived which means it’s time to pull out the food … [Read More...] about STEM-related Toys to Include in Your Child’s Easter Basket This Year 

Did you know?

Signs of Gestational Diabetes

Pregnancy & Signs of Gestational Diabetes

Freeze Cooked & Smoked Ham

How to Freeze Cooked & Smoked Ham

Cook London Broil in an Electric Pressure Cooker

How to Cook London Broil in an Electric Pressure Cooker

Get Wrinkles Out of Tulle

How to Get Wrinkles Out of Tulle

abdominal pain on the left side in pregnancy

Abdominal Pain on the Left Side in Pregnancy

Pregnancy and Sinus Pain

Pregnancy and Sinus Pain

Married Man Hides His Feelings For You

How To Know If A Married Man Hides His Feelings For You

Footer

  • About Us
  • Contact ModernMom
  • Advertise With Us
  • Press
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contributors

Copyright © 2022 Modern Mom. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of this website only at the express permission of Mom, Inc.

The information provided on ModernMom is for educational use only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.