A baby’s diet plays a crucial role in their brain development. Therefore, it is interesting to learn about the types of food that are considered brain food for babies. A baby’s crucial brain development continues till they reach three years. At this age, they start reacting to their surroundings, thinking, learning, and solving problems. Exposure to activities such as sports, music, and exploring their surroundings may aid their gray matter functions. In addition, the brain cells require nutrition to mature optimally. Foods rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats support neuronal growth and help maintain healthy brain cells (1). Continue reading to learn more about food substances that can boost brain development in children and help them become smart and intelligent.
10 Best Foods To Boost Brain Development In Babies:
Here are ten foods that will boost your child’s brain power.
1. Greek Yogurt:
This acts like a super baby brain development food. Greek yogurt keeps the brain cell membranes flexible, helping the brain send and receive information. The B complex vitamins in Greek yogurt are necessary for the growth of brain tissues and neurotransmitters (2).
2. Vegetables:
Vegetables that have rich, deep colors are excellent sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants help to keep the brain cells healthy. Some of the best vegetables for the brain are sweet potato, pumpkins, and carrots. Green leafy vegetables like kale, chard, spinach and collard greens are rich in folate, which keeps dementia at bay. Kale contains Sulforaphane and Diindolylmethane, which aid the growth of brain cells (3).
3. Broccoli:
Broccoli is another superfood for your baby’s brain. It is a good source of B vitamins such as folate, riboflavin and vitamin B6 that aids neuronal development. This makes it an excellent baby brain food (4).
4. Avocados:
Avocados are beneficial for brain health. It is a rich source of unsaturated fats, which promote blood flow to the brain. They also contain numerous phytonutrients which have various health benefits to babies (5) (6 ).
5. Fish:
Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids, which provide the building blocks of brain tissue. Omega-3 fatty acids aid the growth and function of the brain in babies (7).
6. Eggs:
Egg is a storehouse of nutrition. It contains nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, lutein and choline, which enhance concentration. Choline helps produce acetylcholine or memory stem cells. It helps to improve memory in babies (8) (9).
7. Whole grains:
Whole grains improve concentration in babies by providing their brain a constant supply of energy. It has a low glycemic index and slowly releases glucose into the bloodstream, keeping your child alert throughout the day (10). It also contains folate, which is essential for the proper functioning of the brain (11) (12).
8. Oatmeal:
Children who eat oats for breakfast have been found to perform better in terms of attention, executive function, and memory (13). Oats are rich in vitamin E, zinc, iron and fiber, which provide the baby with a steady stream of energy (14).
9. Berries:
The high vitamin C content in berries improves learning and memory in kids. It also prevents oxidative stress in the brain (15).
10. Nuts:
Nuts like walnuts, almonds and peanuts are brain-friendly foods. The high levels of vitamin E in these foods prevent cognitive degeneration (16). Nuts also contain zinc, which enhances memory and brain development. Babies and even children cannot have nuts without the hazard of choking. You may try adding them to baby foods in powdered or pureed forms.
