Must Have Food for Brainy Babies and Toddlers

Every parent dream is to raise a smarter and an intelligent child. The brain does not grow automatically with age. It should be exercised accordingly to make several interconnections of neuron which in turn will make our children smarter. It also becomes the necessity to provide the correct nutrition to the brain. The nutrients help improve cognitive function such as memory and concentration. Taking mandatory nutrients should commence from the pregnancy period itself.

Foods to eat during pregnancy:

1. Vitamin D rich foods:

Vitamin D rich foods tend to increase intelligent quotient in babies. Include eggs, cheese, milk which are the sources of vitamin D.

2. Almond and nuts:

Eat handful of nuts to increase the intelligence of babies.

3. Fatty fishes:

This is a good source of DHA (Omega 3 fatty acid which is the primary structural component of the human brain) which baby’s brain needs to develop-[the brain cells and tissue. Our body does not produce DHA so it is good to take through food. Fatty fishes include salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines.

4. Folic acid rich foods:

Folic acid is fundamental for brain cell formation in babies. Green leafy vegetables, spinach, lentils are sources of folic acid. Mostly all doctors prescribe folic acid supplements during pregnancy. Make sure to take that and do not regret later.

5. Antioxidant rich food:

Consume rich antioxidant foods such as blueberries, tomatoes, and pomegranate. These foods hold nutrients for preventing the brain from damage and improving memory.

6. Yoghurt:

This probiotic food helps in nerve cell formation of the brain and creates a tiny brainy baby inside.

Foods for 1-6-month-old Babies:

Mother’s milk is the best food for babies until they reach 6 months old. It is also found that babies who feed on mother’s milk instead of bottle milk tend to perform well.

Foods for Babies between 6 month – 1 year and toddlers:

1. Antioxidant rich foods:

Present the children with high antioxidant value foods such as sweet potato, pumpkins, carrots, tomatoes, leafy greens vegetables. All vegetables enclose antioxidant which keeps the brain cells healthy and keep them growing.

2. Broccoli:

Broccoli is loaded with abundant nutrients like vitamins (A, C, K), fiber, iron, calcium, folic acid, zinc, protein. It also comprises DHA which makes neurons connect. Broccoli also involves cancer-fighting properties which make it a healthy and super brain food.

3. Yogurt:

Yoghurt keeps the brain cell membranes flexible which makes the brain send and receive information. The vitamins of yogurt help in the growth of brain tissues and neurotransmitters.

4. Avocado:

Consists of mono unsaturated fat (healthy fat), potassium, Vitamin K and folic acid. Potassium reduces the risk of higher blood pressure. A lower blood pressure assists in higher brain health. Folic acid aids in the support of cognitive functions of the brain.

5. Fatty fishes:

Fatty fishes such as tuna, sardines, and mackerel hold Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 assists in framing brain cell membranes and promote new brain cell formation.

6. Eggs:

Eggs include the mandatory diet for toddlers since it is loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, lutein, and choline which enhance concentration. Choline also helps improve memories in babies.

7. Whole grains:

Whole grains such as wheat, brown rice, oats, barley when consumed provides a constant supply of energy because glucose slowly getting released in the bloodstream. Due to the above reason the child is being alerted throughout the day.

8. Nuts:

Walnuts, peanuts, and almonds contain high levels of vitamin E which enlarges cognitive functions. Nuts also contain zinc enhancing memory and brain development.

As a parent make sure to spend time cuddling with them, reading to them and perform some activities with them which will make them happier and more neurons to interconnect. Be all blessed with a brainy baby.