7 Important Nutrients For Children That Help Improve Brain Intelligence

Illustration of essential nutrients for children's intelligence (iStockphoto)

YOGYAKARTA – Apart from keeping them active in learning and playing, food intake also supports their brain intelligence. Cognitive activity, for one, requires 20 percent of energy from the total energy expended each day. Reported by Tutor Doctor, the brain only takes 2 percent of the body mass. That is, what the brain needs to work is quite complex. Not only carbohydrates, but also protein, vitamins, and minerals.

To support children's academic achievement and improve memory function, here are some 'foods' that are important for the brain to absorb.

1. Glucose

The most brain-healthy glucose comes from whole-grain foods, fruits, and vegetables. Eating regularly with the right food menu can make it easier for children to concentrate and remember. Well, what needs to be avoided is glucose from candy, soda, and products that contain refined sugar.

2. Vitamin B

The B family of vitamins, which come from green leafy vegetables, is especially good for the brain. You can make a daily menu plan for your baby with organic eggs, brown rice, nuts. Meanwhile, spinach, kale, and cabbage contain vitamins B6, B12, iron, and folate which are good for the brain.

Illustration of important nutrition for children's intelligence (iStockphoto)

3. Iron

According to a study published in Nutrition Reviews conducted in 2017, showing that protein iron plays an important role in normal brain function and building brain cells, including neurogenesis, myelination, synaptic, energy, and neurotransmitter metabolism.

For your baby's intake, you can process a menu made from red meat, especially liver, and vegetables such as spinach, asparagus, peas, kale, and beets.

4. Omega 3

Foods that contain omega 3 fatty acids are very good for brain health. Children certainly like food that is processed in a simple way but needs to be created so that it can be accepted. For example, foods from fish, wild salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds.

5. Antioxidant

Antioxidants are beneficial not only for the brain. But also maintain overall health. In berries, for example, the beneficial antioxidant properties boost the brain.

6. Magnesium

Well, to enrich the menu as well as support the intelligence of the child's brain, you can process the types of foods that contain magnesium. Such as unpeeled potatoes, yogurt, cheese, tofu, fish, lentils, and spinach.

7. Luteolin

Luteolin is a plant compound that helps reduce the effects of aging on the brain. In addition, carrots and tomatoes, which are high in luteolin content, help increase brain power. Plus, it plays a role in increasing the sharpness of memory.

Those are the seven nutrients that children need to develop their achievements. You can process it creatively so that children are not lazy to eat and eat regularly.