Children begin exploring the world at a very young age, and for them, it is actually a spontaneous learning process. Many of us overlook the fact that what the child eats does contribute to the effectiveness of this learning process. Therefore, feeding your child right can improve his learning abilities dramatically.
Supporting Brain Development
When it comes to learning, the child’s brain is a fundamental asset. In the early years of life, his ability to learn is highly dependent on the development of his brain. Thus, providing him with good nutrition in these crucial years can help facilitate his development.
- The brain largely consists of four specific kinds of essential fats (known as arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)) that are vital for intelligence and behavior. These fats remain important throughout life, so it is never too late to boost the level of these fats.
- Iron also has several important roles in brain development, with neurotransmitter production being amongst them.
Developing Concentration
Your child’s concentration needs to be sustained to maximise his abilities to learn. However, children are often restless and appear to have short attention spans. Accompanied with fluctuating blood sugar levels, this may make it difficult for them to sit still physically. Thus, you can make him focus longer by planning his food intake.
- Serve a nutritious, low glycaemic (sugar) breakfast to kick-start his morning. This helps maintain an even blood sugar level.
- Prevent excess consumption of simple carbohydrates (e.g. sweets) as this will elevate his sugar levels.
End Sleep Deprivation
School-aged children need between 9-12 hours of sleep. The brain builds and consolidates neural connections during sleep and it is this process that enhances learning. Without enough sleep, your child may find it difficult to concentrate in class, and may feel moody and irritable, which can diminish his readiness to learn. Additionally, too little sleep can also compromise his growth, and negatively affect his immune system.
- Ensure he consumes foods that are high in tryptophan, a sleep-promoting substance found commonly in protein-based foods.
- Foods that are high in sugar will disrupt his sleep.
Blues, Blues Go Away
Your child’s mood plays a role in his ability to learn. When he is bored, angry or even sad, it could limit his opportunities to learn effectively. What he consumes can indeed affect his mood.
- B-vitamins and folic acid are involved in a biochemical process that is vital in balancing neurotransmitters that keeps him motivated and happy.
- Additionally, omega-3 fats consumption can enhance serotonin (a neurotransmitter that regulates mood) transmission to the brain.
- Zinc and magnesium can help relax the mind and muscles.
Defending the Immune System
It is vital to keep your child’s immune system healthy, as sick children do not normally make good learners. A healthy child is free to explore and learn thus enabling him to gain more experience. Therefore, proper nutrition is essential to boost his immune system.
- Start early by breastfeeding your child. Besides containing antibodies from the mother, breast milk also contains high levels of antioxidants in the form of vitamin E and beta-carotene.
- Continue to boost his immunity in later life by giving him a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins especially from fruits and vegetables that are dark green, red, yellow and orange in colour.
Nutrient intake from its natural sources are the best. Therefore additional supplements isn’t necessary with a wide range of food to provide the learning booster!
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