Kids need proper nourishment in terms of balanced nutrients to support healthy growth and development. Kids grow rapidly during the first few years of life, and estimates suggest that the brain develops by 80% during the first two years of a kid’s life.
In order to support this rapid growth and development process, parents need to provide and encourage a well-balanced intake of nutrients among children. Kids are actually the reflection of your own self. Kids are generally inspired by parents.
Instead of following instructions and directions, kids usually follow what they observe. Thus parents are more like role models to the kids. Parents and care providers are actually influential figures to the kids, and they can really influence and shape minds.
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Things Parents Should Avoid
Kids are always observing their parents and care providers. The little minds are the keenest observers. Both healthy and unhealthy habits are translated into your kids’ minds. Therefore parents should watch their actions. Make sure you are living a more balanced and healthy lifestyle. This will set the right standards of living for your kid. Make sure you are not involved in following habits, especially around your kids.
1. Smoking
Smoking gives out chemicals that strongly affect brain function. Smoking can impair normal brain functions and may even deteriorate cognitive abilities. Parents should not smoke in front of kids. As it might set a wrong example, and it might also harm kids in terms of passive smoking.
Instead of conventional smoking, parents can look for less harmful ways such as vaping. Good vaping brands offer nicotine salts with very minute strength; this aspect makes it considerably harmless. Elf bar 600 disposable by Elf bar brings you long-lasting pleasure and in a variety of flavors, so get them today for better health.
2. Drinking Alcohol
Drinking alcohol is a common norm among Americans. However, it is not a healthy thing to consume, and parents should avoid drinking alcohol in front of kids. If you drink alcohol in front of kids, then there are strong chances they might develop a desire to consume it and explore how it tastes. The rate of alcohol abuse is increasing among teenagers in America.
There are many factors behind it, and one major factor is parents consuming alcohol at home and in front of children. Parents should set a good example by avoiding alcohol and opting for something healthy and beneficial.
Brain-Boosting Foods For Kids
As far as brain-boosting foods are concerned, parents can find a wide range of variety and options. However, let us list down the most nutritious foods that actually support the growing brains of kids.
1. Eggs
These little protein bombs are one of the most nutritious food parents can possibly give to kids in order to support growing minds. Eggs are favorite to kids, and they can have them in a variety of ways. No matter how you cook it, the nourishment is nevertheless. You may even add eggs as a major ingredient to numerous nutritious and wholesome recipes.
Eggs have all nutrients that support brain and brain development in kids of all ages. Eggs are rich in choline, vitamin B12, and selenium; all these are vital and essential brain nutrients. Not only it improves cognitive function, but it also helps to improve the IQ scores of young kids.
2. Berries
Sources of brain beneficial compound anthocyanin, berries are a superfood that supports kids’ brains in many ways. Studies suggest that anthocyanin is a key compound that improves blood flow to the brain. In addition, it is anti-inflammatory to nerve cells and also promotes the development of new nerve cells.
A good intake of berries in young kids can boost cognitive learning through improving learning and memory. Studies report a link to a diet with a low intake of berries and other fruits and vegetables with relatively poor cognitive function and academic performance in young kids.
3. Fish
Fish is not only rich in omega-3 fatty acids but also a source of other health-benefiting nutrients such as zinc and iodine. Sufficient intake of fish is linked with better academic performance and higher
IQ scores in school-going children. Zinc is essential to the development of new nerve cells. However, make sure that you provide fish sources that have a minimum level of mercury as it can harm the growing and developing brains of kids.
4. Green Leafy Vegetables
Though kids do not really love to eat vegetables, it makes a wholesome and nutritious source of essential nutrients for kids. Leafy vegetables are rich in antioxidants and protect brain cells. It also offers other brain-protecting compounds, including folate, vitamin E, Vitamin K1, Flavonoids, and carotenoids.
5. Iron Rich Food
Many children across the globe deal with iron deficiency. It is thus essential to provide more iron-rich sources of food to kids. Make sure to provide both plant-based and animal-based iron-rich food to your kids. Poultry, meat, and green vegetables are some great sources of iron. Iron deficiency can seriously affect the cognitive function and brain development of young kids.
6. Nuts And Seeds
Nuts can effectively provide a balance of health, benefiting nutrients to kids. Nuts and seeds provide a sufficient amount of proteins, healthy fats, and fiber. In addition, these make a great source of some brain supporting nutrients such as vitamin E, zinc, folate, and iron.
These nourish and support brain development and improve cognitive function in young kids. By adding nuts and seeds to your child’s diet, you can improve his diet quality.
Kids Friendly Snacks And Meals
Despite knowing the brain benefiting sources of food, parents often struggle to make their kids have more healthy food sources. Most children are picky when it comes to food, and they easily get turned off by the color, texture, and even taste of foods. Parents should learn the art of making food in a more appealing way for kids.
Take Away
Kids are rapidly growing both physically and mentally. It is essential to support and nourish brain growth and development through brain-supporting food sources. Make sure to offer brain-friendly food to your kids.
