Nutrition for your children has a direct effect on IQ, learning, concentration, sleep, and behavior. Just as athletes eat a diet to win, children can eat to learn. Foods that contain antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and complex carbohydrates are all particularly helpful in boosting brainpower.
Brain Boosting Foods for Kids: Blueberries
Blueberries have the highest concentration of antioxidants compared to any other fruits or vegetables. Blueberries contain powerful anthocyanins, which Tufts University has connected with improved short term memory performance and attention to tasks. A study showed superior memory test results for kids consuming blueberries compared to children that are not consuming berries.
The benefits of regular berry consumption also extend to adults with berry consumption being linked to decreasing the aging process, potentially preventing dementia. These are a great sweet treat that kids either love or with a little effort will learn to love.
The benefits of blueberries can be enjoyed year-round with frozen blueberries, which tend to be cheaper and do not lose their potency.
Pineapple Blueberry Smoothie
Ingredients:
- Serves 1, double to serve a teen or very hungry kid
- 3/4 cup of frozen pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup of frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup of milk of choice
Directions:
- Add frozen pineapple and blueberries to the blender and blend on low speed until fruit is cut into tiny chunks (about the size of a grain of rice).
- Add optional kids protein powder and milk and continue to blend until nice and smooth.
- Scoop into a bowl, add top with blueberries, chia seeds, and almonds.