Foods That Make Children Smarter
Foods That Make Children Smarter
“What foods can make children smarter?” is one of the most frequently asked questions by new parents to *Health Weekly*. We believe parents should indeed pay attention to choosing foods for their children—not only for taste but also for nutritional value; otherwise, there could be adverse consequences leading to gradual cognitive decline.
Nutrition experts point out that to fully develop children’s brain function and promote optimal intellectual development, parents can enhance IQ through both inspirational guidance and dietary choices. Specific strategies include changing eating habits, maintaining dietary balance, and consuming foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (specifically docosahexaenoic acid, abbreviated DHA), various vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, parents should create an environment stimulating to senses and creativity, enhancing emotional intelligence, setting goals, and encouraging innovative thinking.
Foods with brain-enhancing properties include:
Carotene: Found in spinach, shepherd’s purse, amaranth, carrots, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, yellow corn, etc.
Vitamin E: Best sources include sweet potatoes, lettuce, liver, and butter.
Vitamin A: Best sources include eel, butter, cow’s milk, powdered milk, carrots, chives, citrus fruits, etc.
Vitamin C: Best sources include red dates, grapefruit, strawberries, watermelon, fresh fruits, green-yellow vegetables, etc.
B-complex vitamins: Best sources include shiitake mushrooms, wild greens, green-yellow vegetables, nuts, etc.
Calcium: Best sources include milk, seaweed, bone broth, small fish, laver, wild greens, soy products, dried shrimp, fruits, etc.
Protein: Best sources include lean meat, eggs, soy products, fish and shellfish, etc.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids: Best sources include sesame seeds, walnuts, animals raised naturally, and other nuts.