Food for thought!
Published
British toddlers have one of the worst diets in the world, suggests new research, with the majority of calories coming from ultra-processed foods and less than 1 in 4 parents achieving recommended dietary allowances.
With this in mind, neuro experts at Brainworks Neurotherapy have flagged up some popular new ‘superfoods’ foods that parents can incorporate into their children's diets and their own!
Matcha:The finely ground powder variant of green tea has soared in popularity on TikTok (6.4 billion views) as a great alternative to coffee. It contains L-theanine — an amino acid which has been shown to relieve stress, improve mood and help regulate sleeping patterns. Perfect for parents!
Avocado: Babies can have avocado starting around six months .The “superfood” has garnered substantial attention on TikTok (9.2 billion views), with some users claiming avocado consumption can support brain health, attributed to the substantial Vitamin E content.
Açaí: Said to be packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, Açaí berries have become increasingly popular and they are safe for children unless there is a history of berry allergy in the family. Some users claim that Açaí berries may protect your brain from neurodegenerative diseases and help to improve memory.
When it comes to more tried-and-tested foods that can fuel brain health, James Roy, brain health expert at Brainworks Neurotherapy, has provided a list of the foods that he would recommend:
1. Green, leafy vegetables: Greens such as kale, spinach, collards and broccoli are rich in brain-healthy nutrients like Vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta carotene which help keep you sharp and slow cognitive decline.
2. Fatty fish: These are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Try to serve some salmon, cod or canned light tuna at least twice per week.
3. Berries: Berry pigments (flavonoids) that give them their brilliant hues help to improve memory.
4. Tea and coffee: Caffeine offers more than just a short-term concentration boost, it helps alertness over the long-term and actually helps solidify new memories. As with most things too much can be harmful, but a cup or two in the morning can be quite helpful.
5. Walnuts: Nuts are excellent sources of protein and healthy fats. Walnuts are high in a type of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which is good for both the heart and brain.
