Want a brainier kid?

A recent WebMD feature article counts 10 ways we can boost our kids’ brains simply by the food they eat!

So want to give your kid’s brain a boost? Then consider these 10 foods:

1. Brain Food: Salmon
Before you wrinkle your nose, consider that salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which are essential for brain growth and function.

2. Brain Food: Eggs

We know eggs are a great protein source and egg yolks are packed with choline, which helps memory development.

3. Brain Food: Peanut Butter

Web MD notes “’peanuts and peanut butter are a good source of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects nervous membranes -- plus thiamin to help the brain and nervous system use glucose for energy.’"

4. Brain Food: Whole Grains

Whole grains are good for so many parts of your body, brain included, and it’s easy to work them into your diet!

5. Brain Food: Oats/Oatmeal
Oats are fuel for the brain, loaded with fiber, and filling. They also have vitamin E, B-vitamins, potassium and zinc, which help our bodies and brains function at full capacity.

6. Brain Food: Berries
Any berry is a good berry, but in general, the more intense the color, the more nutrition in the berries. Berries have high levels of antioxidants, especially vitamin C, which may help prevent cancer.
Some studies show extracts of blueberries and strawberries can help memory. The seeds from berries are also a good source of omega-3 fats. Who knew?

7. Brain Food: Beans
Beans are so versatile in how you can eat them and in their health benefits. They provide us with energy from protein and complex carbs -- and fiber -- plus lots of vitamins and minerals.
If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, kidney and pinto beans contain more omega 3 fatty acids than other beans.

8. Brain Food: Colorful Veggies
Think color when choosing veggies. Those with richer, deeper color are the best sources of antioxidants that keep brain cells strong and healthy.

9. Brain Food: Milk & Yogurt
Dairy foods have lots of protein and B-vitamins, which are important for growth of brain tissue, neurotransmitters, and enzymes.
Recent research suggests that children and teens need 10 times more the recommended dose of vitamin D -- a vitamin that benefits the neuromuscular system and the overall life cycle of human cells, so don’t skip the milk, especially the low-fat white stuff!

10. Brain Food: Lean Beef (or Meat Alternative)
Last but not least, don’t forge the beef! Iron helps kids stay energized and concentrate at school, and lean beef is one of the best-absorbed sources of iron. In fact, just 1 ounce per day has been shown to help the body absorb iron from other sources. Beef also contains zinc, which helps with memory.
For vegetarians, black bean and soy burgers are great iron-rich meatless options. Legumes are a great source for brainpower, too!

For a burger-less source of iron -- try spinach.

The beauty of all these brain foods is that they have countless other benefits for the rest of your body. So eat smart with these top 10 foods. And, remember, being active is also a great way to keep the blood moving and kids thinking clearly!

Fun Facts about the Brain:

 

What can you compare the brain to? A powerful computer that stores our memory and controls how we as humans think and react.

Who’s the head honcho? The brain, of course! It’s the center of the human nervous system, controlling our thoughts, movements, memories and decisions.

A billion what? The brain contains billions of nerve cells that send and receive information around the body. That’s a lot of nerve!

Who’s the brainiest? The human brain is over three times as big as the brain of other mammals that are of similar body size. But don’t get too big a head: animals are pretty smart, too!

Are you a lefty? Then you’re the only person in your right mind! The right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, and vice versa.

Are you wearing a helmet? Actually, you are! Your brain is protected by the skull (cranium), a protective casing made up of 22 bones that are joined together. But you still need to wear a helmet when you ride your bike!