Babies best foods for brain health are important for the first 3 years to cope with rapid growth and development which they need energy to learn, play and explore the world. A good nutrition is what they need the most to help them cope up with the hard work.
When babies start changing their diet from solely breast milk / formula milk to solid foods, this is the time when we need to think about babies best food for their growth and development.
I will be sharing with you, my 7 top pick babies best foods for brain health. Some foods contain certain nutrients which are known to help in child’s brain development. It is better to know what are those foods and you can include them in their daily diet.
No. 1 Dairy Food and yogurt
It is best to have your little one carry on with the milk drinking habits even after they have started solid foods, 3 meals a day. Milk is still their super food for babies and help them striving even though they can get the nutrients from the other source of foods they eat.
Dairy products including yogurt contain protein and vitamin B essential for the growth of brain which improve on their memory and keep them alert. They are also a good source of carbohydrates which provide energy they need for the brain.
Many formula milk powders in the market are formulated with different types of nutrients which are good for brain growth. Here are some component in the milk which support in brain development:
- MFGM (milk fat globule membrane )
- DHA & ARA (Docosahexaenoic Acid & Arachidonic Acid)
- Choline
- Lutein
Assess to What is important nutrient in milk powder?
If you are breastfeeding your baby since birth, continue feeding your babies as breast milk is still the no. 1 super food, packed with all the brain boosting nutrients for your little ones.
You can introduce yogurt after your little ones has turned 1 year old. Some may not like it as it is sour in its original state. You can add a little honey (make sure babies above 1 year old) and add some fruit and vegetables ( in puree form or chopped fine).
No. 2 Fatty fish
Fatty fish are known as babies best foods for brain health. Fatty fish such as tuna, sardine, anchovies and salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acid DHA and EPA. These are well known as brain boosting food which are essential for development of brain during the first few years of one’s life.
Research has shown that taking enough fatty acids in their diet showed have sharper minds and do better mental skill test!
Access to Healthy baby food & Activities that promote kids’ cognitive development.
No. 3 oats
Oats are known as “grain for the brain”. It provides energy for the growing body besides a brain booster. Oat is also babies best food for breakfast in the morning and it provides energy or fuel for the kids.
Oat has Vitamin E, B, potassium and zinc which are needed for better brain function. It helps to improve blood flow and protect the brain cells from free radicals.
So, let’s kick start the morning with a bowl of overnight oat! It contains fiber and can fill up babies tummy longer.
No. 4 Peanut butter
Peanuts are rich in multiple natural micronutrients including vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that are beneficial to health.
Some bioactive ingredients in the peanut promotes the flow of the blood to the brain which are essential for better brain function.
Vitamin E is happened to be a potent antioxidant that protect nervous membranes. Thiamin which is a Vitamin B1 helps the body change carbohydrates to energy needed especially to the brain and nervous system. Therefore, better blood flow to the brain will helps in learning and memory.
No. 5 Egg
Egg is excellent source of protein and egg yolk contain choline which is essential for brain memory development. A good memory helps in learning and developing skills too.
Eggs are also good source of protein, folate, vitamin A and iron. These are essential minerals for the growth, repair and development of cells. Always include eggs in your kid’s diet. Choline can be destroyed during cooking of eggs and it is found higher content in raw eggs. However, kids have to consume fully cooked eggs to avoid food poisoning.
Some kids are allergy to eggs during infancy but most children will outgrow egg allergy before adolescence.
No. 6 Berries
These colorful berries includes strawberries, cherries, blueberries, blackberries & blackcurrants. Besides kids get attracted by the colors, they are tasty too.
Nutritionally, they are rich in antioxidants such as Vitamin C. Some studies have shown that extracts of blueberries and strawberries will improve memory and learning. The berries seeds are also good source of omega 3 which is also good for brain health.
Have some colorful berries in their morning breakfast to kick start the day.
No. 7 Lean beef or other meat alternatives
Lean beef is one of the best absorbed source of iron, it helps increase the blood flow to the brain, carry more oxygen and will make one more alert throughout the day. Beef also contain zinc which helps with memory too.
If the babies are too young to eat lean meat, how about a bowl of lean meat soup or lean meat porridge, top up with some vegetables will be an awesome meal too.
Conclusion
A good nutrition your kids have every day will have an positive impact on their health. Every food has their certain nutrients which are needed for the kids growth and as a parent, it is our duty to provide various kinds of foods to nourish our little ones for the benefit of their health.
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