Back to School season is well and truly here. And that means our little ones returning to a daily routine of learning, studying, playing and socialising – all activities that require physical and mental energy.
And while we already know that what we eat, feeds our physical body, did you know, what you feed your children also has a direct effect on their brain health, cognitive abilities and concentration levels? We’re always here to help when it comes to wellness, so read on to find out exactly which foods will help your children concentrate and do well in school this new academic year.
Eggs: Children who eat a nutritious breakfast are proven to do better in school, and eggs are the perfect pre-school breakfast for developing brains. Not only are these nutrient dense little powerhouses packed full of protein that helps strengthen the body, the yolks are also rich in choline – a nutrient needed to create memory stem cells and boost memory function.
PRinOs Tip: How to make children eat egg yolks is the question – try scrambled eggs, French toast or easy omelette fingers.
Berries: Berries are bursting with antioxidants which in turn help boost brain function and protect your child’s brain from free-radical and stress related damage. The humble yet mighty berry is also a slow-acting carbohydrate, meaning they provide energy throughout the day.
PRinOs Tip: Get creative and add berries to oatmeal at breakfast time. Oats are another great brain boosting breakfast giving your kids steady energy and sustenance throughout the day, while also providing a rich source of B Vitamins, Vitamin E, potassium and zinc which contribute to healthy brain function.
Fish: One of the most important nutrients to promote brain health are the omega-3 fatty acids found in abundance in fatty fish such as salmon. Omega-3’s help to prevent memory loss, enhance cognitive skills and support mental focus and concentration.
PRinOs Tip: We recommend at least two servings of fatty fish per week for optimum brainpower! Try serving with brown rice which also contains Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a brain booster, or beans and pulses which stabilise blood sugar levels and help keep kids focused and concentrating all day long.
Avocados: Their superfood powers are common knowledge – but what makes avocados so good for the brain? These deliciously nutritious fruits are rich in mono-unsaturated fats, which promote healthy blood flow, in turn keeping the brain healthy and active.
PRinOs Tip: Add avocados to a leafy green salad. These deep green leaves are bursting with brain boosting nutrients such as beta-carotene, Vitamin E and folate and are known to slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of and dementia.
Nuts: When it comes to nuts and brain health there are three specific nuts to look out for – peanuts, almonds, and walnuts. These nuts are full of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, as well as Vitamin E – a powerful antioxidant which protects and stimulates the brain’s neurons. They also contain thiamine which helps boost concentration by promoting a healthy and functioning nervous system.
PRinOs Tip: Studies have shown that nuts can be even healthier when made into nut butter, which – as an added bonus – kids LOVE!
Find your nearest Prinos shop in Nicosia and Larnaca.
Don’t forget that you can always put your order online at shop.prinos.eu.
