Superfoods for Brain Health
Did you know the foods your child eats can affect their brain health? A child’s ability to learn, focus, and regulate their emotions can all be enhanced & improved through their diet. Try to incorporate one of these superfoods in your child’s diet daily to boost your child’s brain health naturally!
🥑Avocados are a healthy source of unsaturated fats which help keep the brain cell membranes flexible. The monounsaturated fatty acids may help protect nerve cells in the brain and improve the brain’s muscle strength. Avocados are also high in Vitamin E which helps to protect the brain.
🍊Oranges are a great source of vitamin C (just like blueberries from yesterday’s post). Vitamin C plays an important role in protecting the brain by fighting off free radicals. Vitamin C is also a co-factor in pathways that produce neurotransmitters and hormones necessary for appropriate mood regulation & cognitive abilities.
🫐Blueberries are considered a superfood because they are rich in anthocyanins which help reduce inflammation and stress in the brain and body making them a power antioxidant. They are also high in vitamin C which is needed for our ‘feel food’ hormones and ‘focus’ neurotransmitters. Additionally, blueberries can increase the communication between brain cells and potentially boost concentration, memory, and mood!
🍫Dark chocolate contains magnesium, copper, and flavanols which can improve conduct problems, anxiety, hyperactivity, and boost memory function. Plus, dark chocolate is delicious!
🥜Walnuts and almonds are high in omega-3 & 6 fatty acids which help balance serotonin levels and boost mood & behavior.
🐟Fish (especially salmon) is high in omega-3 fatty acids and DHA fat which is one of the most important building blocks for the brain and can play a role in focus and memory. Most children don’t get enough omega 3 fatty acids through their diet. Eating fatty fish 2-3 times per week can support a healthy brain!
🥩Grass fed beef is rich in Vitamin E and monounsaturated fat and minerals such as zinc and iron which are important for brain health.
🥚Eggs are high in choline & protein. Choline has been associated with reducing inflammation and helping promote brain functions such as memory, concentration, and energy levels.
🥦Broccoli is high in Vitamin K and antioxidants which have been associated with lower inflammation, protecting the brain from damage, and strengthening cognitive abilities.
🥬Darky leafy greens such as kale and spinach contain phytochemicals like carotenoids which boost brain function.
All of the above is easier said than done, right? That is why I have created my individualized, step-by-step program so you can know exactly what to feed your child (and how to get your picky eater to actually eat these foods), what nutrients & supplements are best suited for your unique child, lab work to help identify root cause triggers to your child's symptoms, and take out all the guesswork so you can enjoy your family and feel more in control of your child and family's life. To learn more about my Neuro Flourish Method program and see if it is a right fit for your family, book a complimentary call to learn more!