10 Brain Foods to Improve Your Child's Brain and Memory Function

What your child eats has a significant influence on their intelligence as well as cognitive function. As they are growing up, their diet plays a crucial role in nurturing their intelligence, so as a parent you need to give them the best they require. To help you, we have listed down 10 brain foods that can effectively improve your child’s brain and memory function:

1. Nuts

Nuts are packed with essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and proteins. They have mood-boosting qualities and ensure proper working of the nervous system. Some good sources of vitamin E such as peanuts and peanut butter are potent antioxidants that protect nervous membranes. Other than that, nuts also consist of thiamine, which efficiently helps the brain and nervous system to utilise glucose for energy. 

2. Eggs

Known as the superfood for brain development, eggs provide nutrients and proteins that help children concentrate. The egg yolk is a storehouse of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and choline. Some of the richest sources of protein in the form of eggs are an omelette, boiled, poached, and scrambled eggs. A protein-carbohydrate combo diet is much better for your child than a sugar-induced energy diet.

3. Berries

You can get your child to relish berries for a good dose of nutrients known as polyphenols. Another good source of polyphenols is dark chocolate chips. These nutrients keep the memory sharp by increasing blood flow to the brain. Blueberries and strawberries are two of the healthiest berries which are enjoyed by children.

4. Dairy products

Dairy foods are rich in protein and B-vitamins, which are highly essential for growth of brain tissue, neurotransmitters, as well as enzymes. Fat is crucial to brain health and keeps brain cells in a healthy shape for sending and receiving information.

5. Apples and Plums

These fruits can give your child a good boost of vitamins and minerals whenever they feel sluggish. Apples and plums are not only lunch box-friendly, but they also consist of quercetin, an antioxidant that can fight the decline in mental alertness.

6. Greens

Green vegetables come with a lot of benefits as they are packed with folate and vitamins. Vegetables- such as spinach - are linked to lower the odds of getting dementia later in life. Greens are packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that help in the growth of new brain cells. You can add spinach to your child’s omelettes or lasagne so that they don’t fuss about eating it.

7. Whole Grains

Whole grains are full of fibre which provides the brain with a constant supply of glucose. Furthermore, they also have B-vitamins that ensure a healthy nervous system. It’s always a good idea to switch to whole-grain bread and low-fat popcorn to remain mentally healthy.

8. Fish

Being a good source of omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin D, fish helps in protecting the brain from diminishing mental skills and memory loss. Some of the richest sources of fish are salmon, sardines, and tuna. The more omega-3s you can get to your child’s brain, the better it will function, and they will be able to focus.

9. Beans

Beans are an excellent source of proteins, complex carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They are considered a super brain food as they keep a child’s energy and thinking level at peak for a long time. They also consist of omega-3, crucial for brain growth and memory function.

10. Oats

Oats are a perfect breakfast option for kids as they provide excellent energy for the brain. They are loaded with fibre, vitamin E, B-vitamins, potassium and zinc which keeps a child’s brain energetic and make the brain function better.

As children are growing up, it can be difficult for parents to stand by and watch their children go through the challenges of exam preparation, especially tough exams like NEET. Such exams can be hard on students –and unhealthy eating habits can affect their memory. As a parent, you should ensure your child eats foods which are especially beneficial for their brain functioning. Apart from focusing on a healthy diet, engineering coaching institutes like Aakash Institute can help them score well in entrance exams.