A lot of parents in Singapore like to send their children for tuition classes and enrichment programmes with the hopes of improving their little one's development and boosting their memory skills.
But did you know that what your child eats also plays an important part in his brain development and in maintaining a healthy brain when he grows up?
Although you may be giving him healthy foods to eat, there are some foods in particular that are known as super brain foods which can help improve brain function and also protect against cognitive decline in future.
So what exactly should your little one be eating for healthy brain development?
Best super brain foods
If you want your little one to perform well in school, improve his focus and concentration, have better memory, and just give him a health boost for his brain development, you should include the following super brain foods in his daily diet:
Avocados
This creamy fruit is not only a great first food for babies, but its rich nutrients such as potassium and folate will help with your child's brain health and cognitive functions.
It also contains monosaturated fat that helps with proper blood flow which in turn maintains a healthy brain.
Oily fish
Oily or fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout, pilchards and kippers are chock full of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA which can help improve focus, boost memory, and also prevent dementia.
A new study also shows that eating fish is good for your brain and it is recommended that young children should eat lots of fish to enjoy the nutritional benefits.
Wholegrains
Your child needs energy from the right kinds of food for him to grow healthy and strong -- and wholegrains with low-GI can provide a slow and steady release of glucose in the blood to your little one's brain.
Adding wholegrain bread, wholegrain cereals, brown rice and wholegrain pasta to your child's meals can help with his mental alertness throughout the day.
Berries
To keep your little one's brain healthy and prevent any possible mental decline down the road, add some berries to his daily diet such as:
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Wolfberries (Goji berries)
- Acai berries
- Bilberries
- Cherries
The high levels of antioxidants found in berry fruits help protect cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals and there is also scientific evidence that eating berries is beneficial for your brain.
Green leafy vegetables
Chewing on some spinach may not give you instant muscles and super strength like Popeye, but eating it along with other green leafy vegetables such as kale, collards, and mustard greens, certainly is good for your child's brain development.
According to studies, this super brain food which contains Vitamin K can help maintain your mental abilities, slow down cognitive decline and prevent memory loss as you age.
Nuts
Once your child is old enough to eat nuts (and does not have a nut allergy), you should encourage him to eat more of this super brain food as a regular snack.
Nuts are rich with Vitamin E which is known to help prevent cognitive decline, and specific nuts like walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts offer many brain benefits.
Essence of Chicken
Your mother was right all along, Essence of Chicken really is beneficial to your health!
It is known to help combat mental fatigue, regulate blood sugar levels, improve mood, and support your child's overall development.
BRAND’S® AlphaMynd Essence of Chicken which is specially formulated for children 2 – 12 years old, is fortified with Vitamin B Complex to support your little one’s physical and mental development; and also premium grade Lycium (wolfberries) that helps to support your child’s eyesight.
So remember that your little one's journey to healthy brain development begins with a proper diet and getting the right nutrients from super brain foods!
Does your child eat any of these super brain foods? Tell us by leaving a comment below!