Brain development has started since a person is in the womb until adolescence is supported by healthy food for a smart brain. Adequate nutrition and nutrition will help the brain to work optimally and run well. The difficulty of memorizing things and weak thinking power are caused by the poor development of the child’s brain. Here are some healthy food ingredients that are useful for brain development:
Blueberries
Blueberries are a healthy food ingredient for the first intelligent brain to be discussed because blueberries provide many health benefits including your brain health. Blueberries contain anthocyanins which are a group of plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Antioxidants are responsible for fighting oxidative stress and inflammation, conditions that can contribute to brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, antioxidants that are already in the brain help improve communication between brain cells.
style="text-align: justify;">Fish
Fish is a food that contains omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA which are very important for brain development. DHA is needed to form neurons in the brain. Research from Tufts University revealed that those who ate fish 3 times a week had high levels of DHA in their blood and a 39% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Eating fish that is processed by grilling or steaming once a week can strengthen memory and prevent dementia.
Vegetables
Vegetables such as carrots, spinach, red sweet potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes, pumpkin, red cabbage are very rich in nutrients and antioxidants that are healthy for brain cells. A new study from the University of Illinois found that lutein, a pigment found in dark green vegetables, helps maintain cognitive function and mental acuity as the brain ages. However, children do not like vegetables. Therefore, as a parent, you can provide variations on the child’s food, such as making food creations with face shapes, animals or cartoon characters that children like. This will make children more interested in eating vegetables.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate or often referred to as dark chocolate has several compounds that can optimize brain work such as flavonoids, caffeine and antioxidants. Researchers say this compound can improve memory and may slow down age-related dementia.
Whole Wheat
Wheat is a staple food that has a carbohydrate content that is almost or equivalent to rice. Wheat has a carbohydrate content of 60 – 80% carbohydrates, 1.5 – 2% minerals, 6 – 17% protein, 1.5 – 2% fat and also high fiber content which is useful for controlling cholesterol levels in the blood. Wheat is beneficial for the brain because it can make the absorption of nutrients to the brain smoother and optimize the baby’s brain development.