If you have/care for kids, or even if you care for kids as a profession, then you probably understand the constant worry of making sure they’re well fed so they can lead healthy active lives. Proper nutrition is so important! It’s integral to every part of health, including the growth and functioning of the brain. In this blog we'll be sharing the top brain foods to feed your kids, and we've included easy recipes to get you started.
The “personality center” of the brain (the prefrontal cortex) continues to develop through adolescence. This part of their brain is associated with decision making, memory and planning.
Of course all nutrients are important for brain function but studies have shown that specific nutrients and foods support brain development and help cognitive functions throughout growth. Check out our Children's Multivitamin gummy for a tasty, easy way to get your kids to take their vitamins.
Berries contain something called anthocyanin that benefit the brain in a variety of ways such as the production of new nerve cells and expulsion of certain proteins, as well as anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, some of the antioxidants that can be found in blueberries will accumulate in the brain over time and help communication between brain cells. Berries can be added with most of our Nutralean flavours for a delicious smoothy or even sprinkled on top of oatmeal or cereal.
Who doesn’t love chocolate?! The good news is cocoa and cocoa products are some of the most concentrated sources of beneficial flavonoid antioxidants, which is just a fancy way of saying they have anti-inflammatory and brain protecting properties.
Eggs are jam-packed with nutrients that are critical for brain development. Research suggests that diets containing eggs and other healthy foods are associated with higher IQ scores compared to diets high in sugar.The good news is eggs are a really quick and easy meal or snack.
How Protein Boosts Your Brain
Did you know? A child’s brain reaches 80% of its adult weight by the time they reach the age of two. (1)
The “personality center” of the brain (the prefrontal cortex) continues to develop through adolescence. This part of their brain is associated with decision making, memory and planning.
Of course all nutrients are important for brain function but studies have shown that specific nutrients and foods support brain development and help cognitive functions throughout growth. Check out our Children's Multivitamin gummy for a tasty, easy way to get your kids to take their vitamins.
8 Important Brain Foods for Kids
Here are 8 foods and ways to incorporate Nutralean/NutraVegan into meals & snacks your kids won’t only eat... but they'll ask for over and over again! We've also included some of our easy, delicious, kid-friendly recipes to keep everyone healthy, full & begging for more.
1. Oranges
Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, a nutrient that’s essential to brain health. Having a vitamin C deficiency is associated with memory, attention, recognition, and recall issues. Luckily oranges and orange juice are an easy way to make sure your kids get their vitamin C. We'll be releasing our own Vitamin C gummy soon! Get notified when they're released here.
Recommended Nutracelle recipes:
DIY Terry's Chocolate Orange Smoothie
2. Berries
Berries contain something called anthocyanin that benefit the brain in a variety of ways such as the production of new nerve cells and expulsion of certain proteins, as well as anti-inflammatory effects. In fact, some of the antioxidants that can be found in blueberries will accumulate in the brain over time and help communication between brain cells. Berries can be added with most of our Nutralean flavours for a delicious smoothy or even sprinkled on top of oatmeal or cereal.
These Nutracelle berry-inspired recipes are kid-approved:
3. Green Vegetables
Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach & kale are full of things like folate, vitamins E and K1. We know getting kids to eat anything green can be challenging, the trick is to find recipes that are fun and taste so good they forget they’re eating vegetables.
Try blending a handful of any leafy vegetables into a smoothie bowl for a secreted added punch of nutrients.
Check out these Nutracelle recipes to get your daily dose of greens:
Easy Protein Caesar Salad
High Protein Spinach Dip
4. Yogurt
Unsweetened yogurt is a great protein, probiotic, & nutrient-packed snack for any time of the day. Whether you serve it sweet or savoury yogurt is a sure to get your kids excited about eating healthy. Be mindful about purchasing any flavored yogurts, usually the flavor comes with sugar. Instead, purchase unflavored or 'plain' yogurt and sweeten with Nutracelle, or fresh/frozen berries!
Try these easy recipes featuring Nutracelle and yogurt:
5. Cocoa
Who doesn’t love chocolate?! The good news is cocoa and cocoa products are some of the most concentrated sources of beneficial flavonoid antioxidants, which is just a fancy way of saying they have anti-inflammatory and brain protecting properties.
Both Chocolate Nutralean and Chocolate NutraVegan (adults & kids!) are made with real cocoa, not cheaper synthetic ingredients, so you get to enjoy the rich, delicious chocolate-y flavor you love... absolutely guilt-free.
Some cocoa-inspired Nutracelle recipes for the choc-a-holic:
6. Eggs
Eggs are jam-packed with nutrients that are critical for brain development. Research suggests that diets containing eggs and other healthy foods are associated with higher IQ scores compared to diets high in sugar.The good news is eggs are a really quick and easy meal or snack.
Check out these Nutracelle recipes! They're egg-cellent: (we had to)
7. Iron-Rich Foods
Iron deficiency plagues people of all ages in all parts of the world but children under the age of 7 are considered most at risk. Low iron can have a negative impact on cognitive development and academic performance. While the body best absorbs heme iron which is found in animal foods, all foods rich in iron are an essential addition to any child's diet. Some examples include red meat, spinach, beans & poultry.
Iron-rich Nutracelle recipes:
8. Seeds & (if applicable) Nuts
Seeds have high concentrations of many nutrients related to brain health. Vitamin E, zinc, protein and iron to name a few. If able to, adding nuts where you can in your child’s diet is a great way to boost their intake of essential nutrients and healthy fats.
Nutracelle recommended recipes:
We're here to help simplify your meal prep
We know you feel the pressure to introduce your kids to foods that are beneficial to their overall health and it isn’t always easy. Kids can be picky and easily turned off by colour, textures or certain flavours but research shows that repeated exposure to foods can increase their acceptance of foods and increase the chances of them liking it later in the future.
Most of the foods listed above can easily be combined and hidden amongst each other to make any meal or snack extra nutritious. Thanks to our healthy recipes that are family-friendly, you can sneakily introduce your kids to new flavors and extra nutrients without the fear of trying something new. When you know your food is delicious, it makes it easier to convince them to taste it.
Do you have a recipe in mind that you'd like to share? We'd LOVE to hear from you! Send it over to hello@nutracelle.com and we'll feature it in our next newsletter.
Keep in mind, we cannot give any medical advice. A healthy, balanced diet is important and if you’re concerned your child is not getting enough nutrients, you should talk with their paediatrician.
