G OOD
Health
Crucial Brain Foods Your Child Needs BY KELLY AIELLO, rhn
D
id you know that your child’s brain grows and changes exceptionally rapidly? If you are a parent, you can attest to the fact that time flies by when it comes to your child’s growth and development. But what you may not realize is that your child requires certain nutrients and crucial brain foods at the right stages of life to help them develop properly. Why? There’s nothing more important than protecting our child’s brain health and helping them develop their brain’s capacity. After all, we all want our children to excel in every possible way. If that means we can help them improve their focus, learning, memory, behaviour, and mood with the right foods, then why wouldn’t we? And what better time to start taking action than today? Get your child started with these key nutrients right away, and watch your child flourish!
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Why it’s crucial: Omega-3 fatty acids, referred to simply as Omega-3s, are vital building blocks that your child’s brain needs for development, growth, and cognition. It’s one of the absolute best nutrients for your
child’s overall brain health, as it works to improve learning, memory, and mood in kids. Omega-3 fatty acids are also often lacking in kids with ADHD tendencies. So, to improve attention and nervous system function, adding more Omega-3s to your child’s diet is key. What foods contain it: We can find Omega-3s in cod liver oil, wild salmon, mackerel, walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds. But if your child balks at the sight of fish on the dinner table, then a quality liquid Omega-3 supplement is in order!
Protein Why it’s crucial: Kids’ brains need protein to function correctly. Protein contains essential amino acids that a child’s body requires for tissue repair and brain cell creation. It also works to boost mood, improve focus, and stabilize blood sugar levels. High-quality protein sources as part of a healthy diet are crucial to allow your child’s brain to grow, develop, and learn. What foods contain it: Good sources of proteins include grass-fed meat, pastureraised poultry, seafood, peas, beans, eggs, soy, nuts, seeds, and grass-fed dairy.
Choline Why it’s crucial: Choline is an essential nutrient required for healthy brain development and normal brain function. It helps form new neurons and synapses (the connections between neurons) in the brain to improve learning. It also plays an essential role in developing a child’s nervous system and building cell membrane integrity. When combined with vitamin B12 and folate, choline also works to improve your child’s focus and boost their memory. What foods contain it: Egg yolks are the richest source of choline. Choline is also found in grass-fed meat, liver, dairy products, nuts, and legumes.
Folate Why it’s crucial: As a parent, you are most likely aware of the need for folate during pregnancy. But have you ever wondered why this nutrient is so critical? Folate is necessary for the production of DNA and the creation of healthy cells. Adequate folate levels prevent brain and spinal cord defects and reduce a child’s risk of intellectual disability. What foods contain it: Folate can be found in liver, leafy green vegetables like spinach, legumes, fortified cereals, and fortified bread.
KELLY AIELLO, rhn is one of Nature’s Fare Markets’ nutritionists and provides free half hour one-on-one nutrition consultations in our stores. Check out the nutrition consultation schedule on page three and book your free appointment today at naturesfare.com. Learn more: happihuman.com
23 | July/August 2021
