Page 107 - April Issue
P. 107
in focus: toddler
you are what you eat What They Are
Super foods The best brain foods not only
for kids boost their IQ, but also improve
their memory and mood, making
It’s difficult to get kids today to concentrate them mentally prepared for any
and sit still.This is not surprising; with so many tests, exams or quiz competitions.
Several studies have revealed that
interesting things to do, settling on just one certain brain foods for children play
option is a challenge.The advent of computer a pivotal role in enhancing their
games and the internet doesn’t help. Getting brain function. With a balance diet
your kids to focus, however, is not impossible. consisting of best brain foods, kids
will have an improved intelligence,
And it all begins with the right diet! memory, concentration, balance and
co-ordination. According to Devika
Singh, Psychologist and Learning mother,bbaabbyy&&cchhiilldd AApprriill 22001111
Enrichment Specialist who facilitates
the Food4Thot Program at Dubai
Herbal and Treatment Centre, the
relationship between food and its
effects on the way we think, feel,
behave and learn is being confirmed
over and over again in the research.
“The psycho-biological basis for
this connection is clear,” she says,
“Cells need neurotransmitters to
carry messages between each other
and these messages impact the way
we think and feel.” Food contains
neurotransmitters and make up
for some of the nutrients our brain
needs. These foods have been found
to jump start the brain because of
the amino acids called tyrosine, she
explains, “Amino acids form the
building blocks of cells which are
essential to brain function,” she says,
pointing out,
“Five Tyrosine rich foods are seafood,
soy, chicken/turkey, peanuts/almonds
and avocados.”
In addition to the foods listed
above, Singh says that the foods
and supplements containing ‘Smart
Fats’ such as Omega-3 and DHA
(docosahexaenoic acid) have been
found to contribute to healthier
cells which we know make all
the difference when it comes to
thinking, learning and memory. “As
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