We’ve all heard the term brain food at one point in our lives.
These are foods that are believed to make someone ‘smarter’ or more ‘intelligent’.
However, this is a common misconception. No food can automatically boost brain power, at least not instantaneously.
There are things called ‘nootropics’, which are substances that can help boost memory, cognitive performance, and focus. However, their effects are temporary.
While enhancing brain health through nutrition is possible, it is a long-term but cumulative process. With noticeable benefits achieved only through consistency.
So it’s important to rebrand the term ‘brain food’ as food that nourishes the brain. In all aspects.
Not just for things like executive function, but also for emotional intelligence, stress management and mental health.
Normally brain foods include all sorts of veggies and things like fish and blueberries.
But did you know there are also plenty of ‘fun’ brain foods that will surely tantalise your kids?
Here are just some of them.
Cocoa
Studies show that cocoa has powerful antioxidants called flavonoids that can boost cognitive function.
Chocolate also triggers the release of ‘happy hormones’, which nourish the brain.
Its important of course to know that processed chocolate, even 70% dark chocolate and up, does contain some amount of added sugar.
So to maximise the health benefits of pure cocoa, opt instead for cacao nibs if you can find them. Or pure cocoa powder without anything added in.
Mix these into hot chocolate with some zero calorie stevia and low-fat milk to create a decadent delight. Or just get them to munch of cacao nibs as a quick snack.
You can also mix cacao nibs with yoghurt and berries to make a delicious parfait.
Nut Butters
Nuts are absolutely packed with omega-3 fatty acids which are one of the more popular brain food nutrients.
It’s also a fun fact that walnuts (which are kind of shaped like brains) have the highest content of omega-3 fatty acids of all nuts in the world.
Not only is this nutrient important for boosting cognitive performance, but it also has a protective effect. Helping stave off the effects of mental decline that naturally comes with old age.
Another nut that is chock full of brain-loving nutrients is peanut.
It contains resveratrol, polyphenols and plenty of vitamins.
While commercial but butters exist in the market, they are full of sugar and additives. Also, some of them can be quite expensive.
Thankfully, peanut butter is so easy to make at home where you know exactly what goes into it for your children’s health.
Dried Fruits
If your kids aren’t a fan of fresh fruits, then did you know that dried fruits are just as nutritious for them?
They are, after all, known as nature’s candy.
Whether that’s raisins, prunes, apricots or dates, dried fruits are absolutely nourishing for the brain.
Raisins, for instance, contain boron which supports cognitive function while dates have been shown to greatly improve memory.
You may think that these fruits are full of sugar, but as long as they are unsweetened, all dried fruits are healthy.
They even have added health benefits such as preventing cholesterol and controlling blood sugar.
Not only do they make a lovely sweet snack, they are also good for the digestive system.
Full of prebiotics and fibre, dried fruits should definitely be added to your child’s list of favourite brain foods.
Indian Food
If your kids are a fan of curries and dhals, or you’re planning on introducing these foods to them, then this is your green light.
All South Asian foods are naturally rich in spices, the main one being turmeric. An abundant source of curcumin, turmeric has natural brain-boosting benefits.
It protects the brain from decline and increase the amount of brain-derived neurotrophic factor.
This nutrient plays an important role in learning and memory.
Dhal, another South Asian food, is also an overlooked brainfood. The main ingredient in this dish, lentils is a rich source of folic acid which also improves cognitive function.
Brain Foods for the Win
This list is by no means exhaustive. There are hundreds of brain foods out there that your kids may love.
All you need to do is allow plenty of room and opportunity for experimentation.
However, you’ll probably quickly find that, with a little bit of research, that your child’s diet is already chock full of brain food.
Whether its eggs or sardines or bananas or oranges, brain foods are a lot more common in our everyday menu than we realise.
So, get your kids to try out these surprising brain foods today—they’ll surely love them!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Mamahood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and parenting advice, stay tuned to Mamahood Singapore!