In need of a little extra brain power to prepare you for back-to-school?
We have a few days to go before summer vacation comes to a screeching halt so I’m in the process of savoring every last minute with my kids (with some minutes definitely better than others). I have to confess that over the summer we sometime strayed from healthy options, but we did our best. Now that a routine is back in sight it’s time to add a few foods bursting with brain power to the weekly menu.
Blueberries
Not only are blueberries delicious, but there’s research which suggests that the flavonoids in blueberries make them a top contender for improving brain power. Flavonoids may improve memory, learning and general cognitive function, including reasoning skills, decision making, verbal comprehension and numerical ability. Blueberries may also provide protection against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Broccoli
Broccoli is one of those foods my kids will eat without any complaints. This superfood is not only chock full of needed nutrients, but it also boasts a large amount of vitamin K which helps enhance cognitive function and improve brain power.
Lentils
Lentils show up often in meals at our house since they are so simple to prepare- no soaking necessary. This legume is brimming with folate, a B vitamin shown to help boost brain power. Folate also plays a role in decreasing levels of amino acids that can impair brain functioning.
Fish
Fish generally ends up on our dinner table once or twice a week. Salmon is a family favorite with other types of fish being hit or miss. Many types of fish, including salmon, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to improve mental alertness. Omega-3’s are considered ‘good’ fats and are linked to improved memory and brain function. They also can reduce the risk of degenerative mental diseases such as dementia.
Water
Turns out those 8 recommended glasses of water are truly needed. Our brain depends on proper hydration to function at its best. Years of research have found that when we’re thirsty or dehydrated, we have trouble staying focused. Dehydration can impair short-term memory function and long-term memory.
What’s your favorite brain food?
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My son is such a picky eater. I think the only things on this list he would eat is the blueberries and the water.
Tanya recently posted..Sneak Peek! Necklaces!!
This topic has been on my mind lately. Especially when I forget my keys or someone’s name or do something equally mindless. My favorite brain boosting foods are brocolli, blueberries and lentils. In fact, I am going to make a big pot of lentil soup today.
Deborah Davis recently posted..A Few of My Favorite Things: August Link Love
Great list. Protein and water are a must. Broccoli is the tricky one. The only broccoli I can get my family to eat is in stir-fry. I’ll have to look up some more recipes. Gotta have that vitamin K!
Sarah recently posted..The 10 Best Baking Gifts
I would say blueberries are my favorite but I do love broccoli. 🙂
Stephanie @GoodGirlGoneGreen recently posted..7 Cool Health Benefits of Cucumbers
According to “Eating on the Wild Side” broccoli should be eaten soon after harvesting and raw, once it’s cooked, it loses many of its nutrients.
We love blueberries too Stephanie!
Good info Mary! Thank you. I think many things lose their nutritional value if cooked-especially if over cooked.
Hi Sarah, My kids actually like broccoli. I wouldn’t call it love, but they can choke it down. Let me know if you find any fabulous recipes.
Hi Deborah, Hope the lentil soup turned out delicious! One of my faves.
Almonds are my favorite source of Vitamin E. I just like munching on them between meals and pray to God that I don’t develop any nut allergies.
Mickey@EuroAmerican Home recently posted..Things to do this summer: Read a children’s book
I love almonds too Mickey. I add them to my trail mix.
I used to cook with lentils all the time, and then I got out of the habit. Thanks for the reminder that I need to start cooking with them again!
maryanne @ mama smiles recently posted..Back to School: Keeping Kids Active and Healthy
Great things to boost the brain. I need to add more lentils to our diet. We are good about everything else.
Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? recently posted..Fun new products for back to school with a giveaway (over $200)
We’ve got 4 of the 5 down… time to incorporate some lentils!
Thanks for this great list! I’m so thankful that my kids love blueberries, broccoli, fish, lentils and stay hydrated with tons of water but didn’t know the full extent of their super brain boosting powers!
Leticia- Tech Savvy Mama recently posted..Educational Apps, Websites & Devices to Prepare Your Child for Preschool and Kindergarten
We LOVE lentils! It’s a filling meal too! Think I’ll make some tomorrow!
Caroline Murphy recently posted..Carnival Freedom for Adventurous FUN
We eat all of these regularly. Glad my kids love them, but didn’t know the extent of their brain boosting super powers!
My kids are big fans of broccoli – little trees they call them!
We have 4 out of the 5. I love lentils but the rest of the family doesn’t so much.
Great suggestions for good food. I think we would do well to make a menu with these items.
Drew Bennett recently posted..Just Announced Skylanders Trap Team Tablet Edition
Great stuff! For my family: 1) one child will eat, 2) got to sneaky chef it, 3) have not found a way to get them to like! 4) we don’t do fish and 5) LOTS AND LOTS!
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