Motherly Love Summer 2021

By the age of 5, a
child’s brain is
almost close to the
size and volume of
an adult brain. This
means prime growth
and development of the brain occurs
before the child turns 6.
To facilitate the proper
development of brain functions like
learning and memory, the brain
needs nutrients like complex
carbohydrates, choline, antioxidants
and fatty acids in ample amounts.
This article will help you discover the
top brain foods for your toddler.
GREEN VEGGIES
We get that it may be a little difficult
to convince your toddler to eat his
sprouts and spinach, but green
vegetables are packed with folate and
vitamins that are essential to brain
development. Studies have found
spinach to lower the risks of
developing dementia at a later stage
in life.
Besides, the antioxidants present
in these help protect brain cells from
wear and tear. So go make that bowl
of courgette noodles or make a pizza
crust with cauliflower... get creative
with veggies!
BERRIES
Adding a handful of berries to your
toddler’s cereal or yoghurt can help
him get his required amount of
polyphenols. Polyphenols are crucial
in preventing neurodegeneration.
Diets containing strawberries and
blueberries have also been found to
improve memory in individuals.
Apart from the abundance of
antioxidants, berries also contain
vitamins that prevent cancer,
specifically vitamin C. Go ahead and
swap the jam from your classic PB&J
with some fresh slices of cherries or
strawberries to strengthen your
toddler’s noggin.
EGGS
Best known as a reservoir of
proteins, eggs are also equally
abundant in choline, a
nutrient necessary
for memory
retention. Found
concentrated in
Motherly LOVE Issue 1
55