Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Back to School They Go...
Posted by Kelli Arruzzo on Wed, Aug 25, 2010
If you haven’t been to a store lately to see the signs, I wanted to let you know: It’s Back to School Season! (I know, it’s a bit hard to miss.) It’s time to load up the backpack, set the alarms, and herd the kids out the door at an hour many haven’t seen since June. Oh, and don’t forget their lunch!
This year, when packing your child’s lunch, vow to include meals that promote brain health! Not only are these foods good for your child (and you), they are shown to promote healthy brain function and could just be the extra boost needed to turn a B into an A!
Try to include some of the following foods in their lunches:
Stick with Whole Grains:
Slow-burning carbs are excellent fuel for the brain and include Vitamin B, which can help combat stress and promote healthy blood flow.
Leafy Green Vegetables:
Mineral rich, these veggies promote clear thinking and mental focus.
Berries:
Packed with antioxidants, try blueberries and blackberries to boost brain health.
Nuts and Seeds:
Full of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, nuts and seeds work as natural antidepressants and help you to think more clearly. Some include thiamine and magnesium, which are great for memory, cognitive function, and brain nourishment.
Eggs:
Full of B12 and lecithin, eggs help prevent brain shrinkage due to brain atrophy, which is often seen later in life in Alzheimer’s disease.
Chocolate:
Obviously you want to consume this one in moderation, but a piece of dark chocolate, high in cocoa, can help increase blood flow to your brain.
These are some of the best foods to promote brain health, but there are many more. Use these as guidelines to create a nutritious lunch for your children, and yourself.
What would you recommend to other parents to pack for their children to promote a healthy brain function and a healthy lifestyle?
Sources:
http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-foods-for-brain-health.php
http://www.oprah.com/food/Foods-to-Keep-Your-Brain-Healthy-Aine-McAteers-Blog/2