A child’s brain development during the mother’s pregnancy up till he or she is two-years-old determines how the brain will function for the rest of their lives. While the environment that one grows up in plays an important role, what one eats is also crucial.1
Certain nutrients are essential in ensuring healthy brain development. They include protein, zinc, iron, choline, folate, iodine, vitamins A, D, B6, and B12, as well as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.1
Example of brain foods
Foods that contain these nutrients include.
- Salmon. A wonderful source of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids (an example of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids).2
- Avocado. Rich in vitamin B6 and folate. They also contain vitamin A, zinc, and iron.3
- Tomatoes. A good source of vitamin B6, folate, iron, zinc, choline and protein.4
- Whole Grains. Contain vitamin B-complex and provide the brain with glucose.5
Wholegrain Salmon & Avocado Bowl6
The above ingredients actually goes very well together. Learn to prepare a quick and delicious meal for your kids!
Ingredients
- 4 oz. salmon fillet
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup of cooked whole grain medley
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup pickled red onions
- Salt & black pepper
Steps
- Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, season salmon with salt and pepper.
- Place salmon in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Repeat on the other side.
- Put the whole grain medley in a bowl and top with salmon, avocado and pickled onions. Enjoy!
Sources
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/brain-food-children-nutrition-2018012313168. Viewed on 21 July 2018.
- https://www.first1000days.ie/oily-fish-during-pregnancy-a-great-way-to-get-your-omega-3-and-vitamin-d/. Viewed on 21 July 2018.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-benefits-of-avocado#section2. Viewed on 21 July 2018.
- https://swisse.com/en-au/science/ingredients/tomato. Viewed on 21 July 2018.
- https://www.parentcircle.com/article/9-superfoods-to-boost-your-childs-brain-growth/. Viewed on 21 July 2018.
- http://setthetableblog.com/set-the-table-3/whole-grain-salmon-avocado-bowl. Viewed on 21 July 2018.
© Cigna Healthcare 2023
Information provided in this article is intended for health and fitness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease (see Terms & Conditions for details). Any health-related information found in this article is available only for your interest and should not be treated as medical advice. Users should seek any medical advice from a physician, especially before self-diagnosing any ailment or embarking on any new lifestyle or exercise regime. Any information contained in this article may not be suitable, accurate, complete or reliable. Cigna Healthcare accepts no responsibility for the content or accuracy of information contained on external websites or resources, or for the security and safety of using them. "Cigna Healthcare" and the "Tree of Life" logo are registered trademarks of Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. in the United States and elsewhere, licensed for use. All products and services are provided by or through operating subsidiaries, and not by The Cigna Group.
