| Brain is an amazing control center | | | | often disturb your child's blood sugar and causes |
| The human brain has about 100 billion brain cells | | | | drowsiness. Notice how your child's concentration |
| (neurons). Brain is a small yet amazing control center | | | | declines after eating white flour products such as |
| of thought processes, emotions, memory, learning and | | | | white bread, cakes, biscuits, donuts, or other high-sugar |
| other bodily functions. In the early part of life, where | | | | foods? |
| intensive learning takes place, your child's brain | | | | Even white rice, pasta or noodles can affect |
| undergoes massive fine-turning processes.However | | | | concentration levels. Good carbohydrates sources are |
| we often neglect the fact that the brain needs to be | | | | wholegrain such as brown rice, buckwheat, oar, millet, |
| 'fed' with nutrients in order for it to function well. | | | | and other such as pumpkin and sweet potatoes. |
| Optimum Nutrients | | | | Fruits & Vegetables |
| The brain is made up of more than 60% of fats. The | | | | Nutrients like vitamins and minerals transform the |
| brain cell structure needs plenty of protein. Brain | | | | building blocks into useful material for the brain. Some |
| chemicals that regulate learning, perception, moods and | | | | of the important brain vitamins are vitamin C, vitamin |
| behaviour are made from amino acids, vitamins and | | | | B6, B12 and folate. |
| minerals such as B6 and iron. Hence, your child's diet | | | | Deficiencies has been link to slower brain functions. |
| plays a critical role in how well his brain functions. | | | | Minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron are |
| Nuts, Seeds & Avocados | | | | also important. Deficiencies may lead to reduced |
| Fats are raw material for brain. Your child's brain | | | | concentration and poor memory. These vitamins and |
| needs good fats, not those from french fries, fried | | | | minerals are found in fresh vegetables, fruits, beans, |
| chiken wings, caked, donuts, chocolates, and potato | | | | nuts, seeds and wholegrain. Hence, your child's diet |
| chips. DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid, has the largest | | | | should include a wide array of fresh and wholesome |
| effect on brain fat composition. DHA is often found in | | | | natural foods. |
| fish oil. Other beneficial fat sources are nuts. (e.g. | | | | Practical Tips |
| almond, macadamia), seeds (e.g.sesame, sunflower | | | | Eat in the morning. Breakfast provides your child with |
| seeds) and avocados. | | | | energy and nutrients for the morning, when learning in |
| Fish, Beans, Nuts, Seeds and Lean Meat | | | | school takes place. |
| Protein is building block for brain chemicals. Amino | | | | Make sure your child drinks enough water. A |
| acids, which proteins are made of, are used to | | | | dehydrated mind is foggy mind. |
| produce brain chemicals such as epinephrine, dopamine | | | | Limit sweet foods- this will go a long way for good |
| and serotonin. These brain chemicals affect your child's | | | | health. |
| concentration and moods. Protein can be obtained | | | | Discuss and share with your child information about |
| from fish, lean meat, poultry, beans, nuts and seeds. | | | | healthy food choices and nutrition. Convince rather |
| Grains | | | | than compel him to eat healthy foods. |
| Carbohydrates are a source of energy for the brain. | | | | Set good example by eating healthily. |
| Steer clear of highly refined carbohydrates which will | | | | |