5 Key Nutrients that protect child’s brain function!

Did you know that a not a single food can aid in brain development, but a healthy, well-balanced diet actually does good for their brains. Nutrients can affect not only neuroanatomy, but also neurochemistry and neurophysiology.

Lack of proper nutrition can have a significant impact on all levels, including healthy brain function. Below par brain function can impact our children in many ways, including poor school performance.

Let's know the critical nutrients that play a key role in brain function:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

Omega-3 fatty acids are called essential fatty acids, important for child's brain function. Since omega 3 FA are anti-inflammatory, they have the ability to promote healthier brain cells. Good sources of Omega-3 include oily fish such as salmon, flax seed, pumpkin seed and walnuts.

Vitamin C:

Diets low in vitamin C may affect children's mental and physical development. Both are a potential antioxidant nutrients, lowering the deterioration of brain health function. Foods rich in vitamin C- capsicum, oranges, kiwi, broccoli, strawberries, cabbage, cauliflower, potato, tomatoes, spinach and green peas.

Zinc:

Zinc aids in DNA synthesis and neurotransmitter releases in the cerebellum part of the brain.Good sources of zinc- beans, yogurt, cashews, chickpeas, oatmeal, almonds and peas, organ meats.

Choline:

Choline is a precursor to acetylcholine, a substance that helps stimulate the brain to make new connections, is also an important part of memory. Foods high in choline include eggs, liver, soybeans, potatoes, cauliflower, lentils and oats.

Iron:

Iron play a key role in mylin development present in white matter of the brain. Iron sources are green leafy veggies, dates, figs, organ meats etc.

Apart from these foods and nutrients, Play seems to have wonderful role in toddler's bain development.