7 Best Brain-Boosting Foods for Toddlers

Ensuring your child’s brain develops naturally and healthily is critically important for parents. Providing your child with the best foods to help achieve this is a great way to help them to advance, learn and develop as people. Brain development is important in all parts of their lives; playtime, learning, reading, talking and imagining are all impacted by the rate of brain development. This article will look at 7 of the best brain-boosting foods for toddlers.

Salmon

Salmon, and fish as a whole, are a great source of omega-3 which is an essential brain-boosting food for toddlers and will help with both growth and function – irrelevant of age. All forms of fish are a good supplement for healthy growth.

Despite tuna being a good source of protein, it’s not great for omega-3. Swapping tuna for salmon is an easy substitution to make and one that is great for your child.

Eggs

Not only are eggs a good source for protein, but the yolks are filled with choline, a nutrient that is essential for memory function. And because eggs can be served in so many different ways, you will find it can easily be added to your toddler’s diet.

Oats and Oatmeal

A familiar cereal – usually served hot – for children, oats and oatmeal are great brain-boosting foods for toddlers. Not only are they a great source for fibre, they’re also perfect for loading your toddler with all the energy they need to keep going. Additionally, oats are a source of vitamin E, B, zinc and potassium.

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Berries

Whether they’re cherries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries or any other kind of berry, berries are the perfect source of antioxidants. They’re also high in levels of vitamin C which can help to prevent cancer.

Beans

Beans are a great food for fuelling energy and providing children with the thinking power they need. They’re built from protein, complex carbohydrates and fibre but could be potentially a little trickier to get into your toddler’s diet.

Milk and Yoghurt

Dairy products are a given when it comes to providing brain-boosting foods for toddlers. Full with protein and vitamin B, dairy products are essential for the growth of brain tissue, neurotransmitters and enzymes. When it comes to adding milk and yoghurt to your child’s diet, opt for low-fat milk in their cereal and perhaps treat them with some cheese stick snacks.

Greens

Perhaps the hardest food to get your child to eat; green vegetables are a great source of vitamins but unfortunately are likely to be turned down by a fussy eater. Spinach and kale are linked to lowering the risk of dementia later in life. Recognised as a superfood, kale is full of antioxidants and other vitamins that help new brain cells grow.

Resources:
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/brain-foods-for-children#1
www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/features/brain-foods-kids#1
http://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler-nutrition/brain-food-for-kids.aspx