Asking your child’s brain to function without the proper nutrition is like asking an airplane to fly with gasoline as fuel.  Like an airplane, the brain is an advanced machine that requires specialized fuel.  A growing, maturing brain requires proper nutrients to reach peak performance. You can help enhance your child’s academic performance by providing foods that boost brain function.  Brain foods will help your child increase concentration, boost memory, support sensorimotor skill development and help him or her stay calm at difficult times. 

Starting the day off with a power-packed breakfast is the perfect place to begin.  Research shows that when children eat a healthy breakfast, they are more successful in school.  They are more alert, become engaged and participate in class discussions, stay focused and solve more complex academic problems.  These all lead to increased comprehension, higher grades and a positive self-image.

Here is a list of foods to consider adding to your family’s regular diet, if you have not already.  These foods all help increase brain function by providing the nutrients your child’s brain needs.  These foods provide healthy fats, increase oxygen in the blood, increase blood supply to the brain, stimulate neurotransmitters, prevent cell damage and maintain steady glucose levels.  All of them do wonders for mental and neurological health.

Water:

Even mild dehydration effects brain function.   The brain is 75% water.  Not surprisingly, then, thinking ability depends on drinking enough water.  Your child cannot properly hydrate by drinking sodas and other sugary drinks.  Sodas and sugary drinks introduce chemicals, additives and stimulants that do nothing to quench thirst and do a tremendous amount to harm the human body.

The vast majority of your child’s liquid intake should be water. When students drink water throughout the day, and during exams, they do their best thinking and have the most creativity.  Encourage your child to keep a water bottle on his or her desk.  When people keep water in view, they drink it more often.  Regularly drinking water (and not sodas or sugary drinks) will keep your student’s mind sharp and clear.

Whole Grains:

Choose breads and cereals that contain whole grains.  Brown rice, whole wheat, barley, oats and other whole grains support brain function.  Whole grains contain vitamins that increase blood circulation and boost memory.  They also release glucose at a steady rate so that the pancreas doesn’t have to work overtime to provide excess insulin.  This keeps the brain supplied with a steady flow of glucose and avoids the peaks and valleys of sugar rushes caused by refined foods. This steady stream of glucose improves alertness, concentration, and memory (and helps avoid diabetes).  B vitamins in whole grains support the nervous system.
Berries:

Blueberries,  blackberries and strawberries are high in antioxidants.  Antioxidants protect the brain from neurological damage.  They also improve communication between brain cells.  These berries protect the brain and promote strong cognitive function.

Vegetables:

Eat five to eight servings of vegetables everyday.  Vegetables are high in the antioxidant protective vitamins C, beta-carotene and E.  These vitamins protect brain cells from damage.  Lean towards dark green leafy greens like spinach and collard greens, carrots,, broccoli, and brightly colored vegetables like red cabbage sweet potatoes, pumpkin and tomatoes.  These vegetables are especially packed with fuel for healthy brain function.  Studies have shown that people who consume 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day have lower rates of cancer, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and many other unhealthy conditions.

Beans:

The complex carbohydrates and protein in beans helps to keep your child’s brain function level throughout the day.  Beans also contain omega-3 fatty acids that support brain growth and function.  Kidney and pinto beans are especially high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Nuts & Seeds:

A variety of nuts and seeds help enhance brain function.  Walnuts, cashews, almonds, pecans peanuts, pine nuts, pistachio nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and flaxseeds all contain essential fatty acids.  Sunflower seeds also contain an important amino acid that helps to keep the brain alert.  Nuts and seeds increase clarity and enhance mood, helping your child maintain an attitude of being ready to learn.

Together these foods support healthy brain function.  Help your child fill up on healthy foods. The more healthy foods that your child eats, the less room he or she will have for unhealthy foods.  The quality of foods you serve your child significantly affect his or her behavior and performance in school.  These foods not only provide your child with nutrients needed for optimal brain function, they will also help with your child’s development and general good health.