Investing in a baby’s life is one venture that every parent should thrive to do with all that avails to them. If you invest wrongly, you reap the wrong fruits. There are so many methods that parents can employ to build their child’s psychological strength. These include games, music, exercises and even reading to the child. Food is one item that apart from boosting the child’s overall health, it has other nutrients that aid the mental development, psychological development, and well-being of the child. Some of these food items include nuts, vegetables, fish etc.
Fermented Foods
There is a wide range of fermented foods that have been certified healthy for the use of the child. Some of these include: yogurt, sour milk or cheese, kefir (fermented drink from cow milk), tempeh (fermented soybeans drink), and kimchi (popularly known as the national dish of Korea. A dish made with a potpourri of vegetables), pickled vegetables which are probiotics i.e. containing healthy bacteria, know to reduce anxiety and stress, help in hormonal balance and proper functioning of the body’s neurotransmitter GABA.
Fermented foods are high in vitamin content. They are known to contain good bacteria which are also helpful for the child’s guts. Vitamins are very essential for a balance neurological communication of the body. The abundance of these is got from fermented foods. Research has also revealed that fermented foods enhance memory not just in children but also in adults. These foods also produce neuroprotective effects thus keeping the child’s brain and cognitive response healthy. They also help in memory enhancement (mental health) thus it is one food material that the child should not be deprived of.
Protein
Protein is from fish, meat, and some grains like beans. It is also got from milk, cheese, edible insects, etc. The developing child needs several hours of sleep for the healthy development of organs and the brain. Serotonin which is responsible for healthy sleep is found in protein. Protein is also known to produce tyrosine which triggers the brain to produce dopamine and norepinephrine which is a hormone and neurotransmitter. They are brain chemicals beneficial for the proper functioning of the brain and fostering a healthy mood. One fish that is a rich source of these properties is salmon. It is mostly identified by its high concentration of Omega-3 which is essential for the child’s mental health. It has a high level of protein and other valuable vitamins and minerals
Whole Grains
Whole grains are a great source of fiber, vitamins and carbohydrates. It is worthy to note that the brain relies on a steady supply of glucose to function optimally. This is got abundantly in whole grain foods. It assists in the concentration levels of the child. Whole grain foods also contain antioxidants, minerals and photochemical which function in different capacities in the body system. Antioxidants and photochemical are like soldiers in the body, fighting disease and other attack. Present in whole grain is also abundance of a range of vitamins including: Vitamin B, Vitamin E, abundance of fiber, iron and magnesium thus putting the child in a great state of health and perfect cognitive functionality. Whole grain foods include: millet, whole wheat, whole oats, corn, whole rye, quinoa, brown rice etc.
Kidney Beans
Kidney beans are legumes loaded with diverse minerals and vitamins to aid healthy growth from childhood to adulthood. It has an abundance of Vitamin B1 which is the vitamin responsible for brain cell formation. This vitamin is also responsible for the synthesis of acetylcholine which is responsible for the cognitive abilities of the brain which the child needs most at his brain developmental stage. It also has an abundance of Vitamin K which has been associated with the proper functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin K plays a crucial role in the synthesis of sphino-lipids known for the protection of the brain from oxidative stress, and the proper functioning of the brain and Nervous System. Kidney beans are also very rich in Iron, potassium, magnesium, and protein responsible for the maintenance of a defensive immune system.
Avocado
Avocado is one fruit that takes care of the child from the womb until he or she is born. It is loaded with a variety of vitamins and minerals for the well-being of the child. These include: Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K. Minerals found in avocado include: Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Sodium, and Zinc. These are responsible for different health and wellness activities in the body, like serving as a barrier against microbial and bacterial attacks, containing antioxidant properties, and also known to fight inflammation in the body tissues. It is worth knowing that avocado contains a large deposit of unsaturated fat which is healthy for the child’s brain and sharp mental attitude.
Spinach
This is one herb that cannot be overlooked amongst the food items that should be given to the child. Its deep green leaves are loaded with chlorophyll-containing a variety of vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the daily growth of the child both physically and mentally. The variety of vitamins and minerals in spinach maintain a healthy system function and fights against infestation from external attacks like microbial and bacterial attacks. Spinach has a large deposit of lutein known to promote healthy brain development and visually comprehendible speed in children.
Cocoa
Apart from cocoa being a very rich food item for the child, it is also a very important medicine; cocoa is known to cure high blood pressure and cause a balance in the insulin level. It is also identified with the cure of cognitive impairment. Cocoa contains a large deposit of flavonols which are chemical compounds containing vitamins and minerals identified for improving concentration and assimilation. Cocoa is one food item that should be made available for the child as a daily drink or snack. They come in a wide range of varieties such as, chocolate bars, chocolate drinks, in powder, or as cubes and candies.
They are obtained through different processes of production. Examples are by the fermentation of the cocoa seed, which also adds probiotics to the active ingredients of the seed, by roasting and also by drying the seed, etc. Cocoa contains unsaturated fat which sharpens the brain of the child especially in his developmental stage, It also contains flavonoids which are antioxidants and highly beneficial for the health of the child. Amongst other components, cocoa also contains protein which also helps in the child’s cognitive development.
Banana
Banana combines the qualities of a food, a snack, and a fruit. It is one food item that should be made regularly in the child’s school box; it is creamy, sweet, and energizing. Its active components include glucose, fructose, and sucrose, these give it a sweet captivating taste. It is also rich in Potassium, which helps in the development of the brain. Manganese, iron and a wide range of vitamins including Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C. Banana is also known to include serotonin which elevates the mood.
Red Fruits
There is a wide range of Red fruits and vegetables that can be picked for the health benefits of the child. Some of these include tomatoes, which is a vegetable, watermelon, known for its hydrating effect, red pepper, strawberry, cherries etc. Some of the nutritional values of tomatoes include lycopene which is abundant in tomatoes as an antioxidant, it purifies the body system. It is known to aid in improving the memory level of the brain. Cherries are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, iron, magnesium, and potassium which is a great brain medicine. Cherries are not to be ignored as a fruit for the development of the child’s brain and cognitive perception; they also contain folate which has been identified to improve the mental alertness of the child.
Strawberry is good for the child’s well-being both physically and mentally. It is known as a source of active vitamins and minerals which are antioxidants protecting the child against different ailments. It is also rich in Vitamin C which is very essential for the child’s healthy development. Folate found in strawberries is an essential medicine for the child’s brain development.
Seeds and Nuts
Nuts are another source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and oils for different health purposes. Some popular nuts include; groundnut, walnut, cashew nut, hazelnuts, chia seeds, almond nuts, etc. Walnut has great nutritional values that are beneficial for the child’s mental development. It is rich in unsaturated fats which are essential for proper brain development. Magnesium in walnut aids in the proper functioning of the nerves and muscles of the child. Other nutritional contents in walnut include: Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, and Omega-3 in walnut has been identified as medicine for healthy brain functioning, etc.
Groundnuts are readily available at a very affordable price. They are highly nutritious and beneficial as a part of the child’s menu. They are rich in niacin a product of Vitamin B recognized as a possible brain booster and maintenance of the nervous system. Hazel nuts are known for their high Vitamin E value which is also associated with the improvement of the cognitive functions of the brain of the child. Cashew nuts are first identified by their rich deposit of flavanols known as an anti-inflammatory agent. It is rich in antioxidants which work in different ways to keep the brain healthy.
This article is purely informative, we cannot diagnose or prescribe any treatments. We urge you to seek the advice of a professional e.g nutritional therapist, dietician, Doctor or holistic practitioner, etc. We hope you find the information helpful.