A healthy diet is one of the most powerful ways to help your child, especially if they have attention and anxiety issues. Whether it’s staying away from sugar, or integrating a multitude of brain-boosting foods into their diet, you can help your child stay focused and relaxed. Here are some of our favorite superfoods for overall brain health.
Avocados — Sometimes known for their high fat content— Avocados can sometimes get a bad rep. But these amazing fruits are packed with the “good” fats (monosaturated fats) that have the ability to keep blood sugars steady and balanced, a great way to keep your child’s energy level stable and their focus high. They also are packed with vitamin K and folate—which have been shown to boost memory and concentration. Break out the guacamole!
Bananas — Not only are they easy to take with you, bananas have also been shown to help boost concentration. The high levels of potassium are also extremely helpful for keeping your child’s brain, nerves, and heart in great shape.
Beets — While beets are not always a child’s first choice of snack, finding ways to integrate them into their diet may be hugely beneficial. Beets contain nitrates that increase blood flow to the brain, allowing for better oxygenation and improving mental performance. Unconvinced you can get your child to eat that bright vegetable? Here are some sneaky-fun ways to get beets into your child’s diet.
Blueberries — These little blue berries pack a powerful punch for brain function in children and adults. A 2010 report published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that those who drank blueberry juice every day for two months reported significant increased memory and learning tests. Sprinkled on cereal in the morning, or added to a smoothie, your child will love these sweet and powerful treats.
Bone broth — A possibly surprising superfood for focus, bone broth is an important ingredient to focus and brain health. Bone broth is full of collagen, which helps reduce intestinal inflammation, and also is full of amino acids that not only help improve memory, but can boost immunity as well. It is also extremely easy and inexpensive to make (and can be used as a base for almost any broth-based soup).
Broccoli — Broccoli is already known for its multiple vitamins and minerals. However, it is its high content of vitamin K and choline that will help keep kids’ memories sharp.
Improve focus and clarity.Coconut oil — Coconut oil is a popular go-to superfood these days, and for good reason. It works as a natural anti-inflammatory and can help with memory loss and concentration challenges.
Dark Chocolate — Dark chocolate is full of flavonols, which have anti-inflammatory properties. These help lower blood pressure and increase blood flow to the brain. But not any chocolate will do— make sure you choose minimally processed dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. And, as always, opt for natural (non-sugar) sweeteners when preparing.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil — Extra virgin olive oil is a true superfood. Known for its healthy fats, it is also full of polyphenols, which have been shown to improve learning, memory, and focus.
Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng — These herbs are known to increase blood flow to the brain, allowing for greater focus and brain function. However, herbal usage should always be approached cautiously with children, so we recommend talking to your physician before taking any herbs to help focus.
Oatmeal — Not only does a nutritious breakfast help your child start their day well, but oatmeal itself has helpful properties for focus and attention. The fiber in oatmeal helps keep your child full longer, as well as promotes healthy cognitive function.
Rosemary — The delightful smell of rosemary is a great way to help your child focus. This herb has been shown to increase concentration, as well as help relieve mental fatigue, forgetfulness, and depression. You can use either fresh rosemary or essential oils to provide the benefit— they both have a positive impact.
Salmon — This healthy fish is packed with nutrients and fatty acids that help build the areas of the brain that provide focus and concentration. With both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, salmon has become one of the superfoods associated with a healthy and resilient brain.
Turmeric — This powerful root provides a list of health-benefits, including preventing heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. Due to its strong anti-inflammatory capabilities, as well as its strong antioxidants, it helps build connections in the brain and is a great tool in fighting focus challenges in children.
Get creative and weave these brain-boosting ingredients into your children’s diets.
And if you have a recipe or fun way you’ve integrated any of these foods into your children’s meals let us know!
