Project Description

Nurturing the Brain with Food

We all want our children to be healthy, intelligent, quick learner, and have good concentration in school.  Did you know that there are certain foods that increase brain health, memory, focus and concentration?  Yup!  It’s true.  I have given talks on this very subject.  But when it comes to our children it is especially important to nourish growing brains to help them grow and mature in a healthy way by increasing learning and concentration.

Top 10 Foods for Brain Health

  • Salmon – high in Omega 3 fatty acid, DHA and EPA, essential for brain growth and development
  • Blueberries (and other berries), although blueberries are the highest in anti-oxidants which increases learning capacity and fine motor skills
  • Greens – chock full of vitamins, minerals, protein, anti-oxidants and chlorophyll, all of which feed our blood and helps cells carry oxygen to every cell in our body, including the brain. (Kale, Spinach, Broccoli, Bok Choy, Cabbage, dark leafy lettuces, swiss chard, collards)
  • Eggs – rich in protein and choline which nurtures the brain and helps with concentration
  • Nuts and seeds – packed with protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, helps boost mood and promotes brain growth
  • Pomegranates – one of the highest anti-oxidant-rich fruits that are chock-full of flavonoids, polyphenols and other phyto-nutrients that improve cardiovascular function, memory and cognition.
  • Avocados – contain good fat, and contributes to healthy blood flow which means a healthy brain
  • Fruits – especially apples and plums – are a sweet alternative to sugar, are lunchbox-friendly, and contain the anti-oxidant quercetin which helps fight decline in mental skills.
  • Legumes – beans provide plenty of protein, and give the body energy from complex carbs.  Beans are also high in fiber, vitamins and minerals.  This low-fat vegetable makes a great lunch for your child since they provide slowly released brain energy, especially when the child hits that afternoon slump, and needs to have thinking levels at their peak.  Bonus!  Pinto and kidney beans contain more omega 3’s which are excellent for brain development
  • Brightly colored vegetables –  the deeper the tone, and brighter in color, the higher the levels of anti-oxidants which keep brain cells strong and humming.

Feeding you and your child this variety of brain-healthy foods nourishes a growing child’s brain, helping maintain focus, memory and concentration.  And these foods can also nourish your adult brain too!

Check out this brain-boosting quick lunch recipe:  https://veronicashealthyliving.com/brain-boosting-salmon-salad/