13 Foods To Increase Your Children’s Concentration
The ability to concentrate is decisive in our children’s learning process. There are foods that can help increase your concentration while being deliciously prepared. Know what they are.
As children start school, the ability to concentrate is one of the fundamental skills in the learning process. That is why food intake is so important to increase the concentration of our children.
Concentration is the mental function by which all attention is focused on an activity at will. In concentration, mind and body converge and benefit both. That is why it is so important both for the child who studies and faces an exam, and for the one who trains and participates in a sports competition.
It is proven that a good diet enhances concentration. First, because it provides the balance the body needs to bring the mind into focus. And second, because it fuels the brain with the fuel that neurons need to work efficiently.
Good fats to increase concentration
The body gets energy from two types of food: carbohydrates and fats. The brain can use both for its function, however, the metabolic product that originates from healthy fats is the one that best renews and regenerates neurons.
Including foods to increase concentration in your children’s diet will promote their cognitive processes and creativity. However, the dilemma of parents is usually that healthy foods are not always the ones that the little ones in the house like the most.
As children grow, they go through different stages of accepting and rejecting food. If they do not accept a certain food one day, it is good to offer it again. As we introduce them to creative recipes, they will learn and appreciate the benefits of eating healthier options.
The best foods to increase your children’s concentration
1. Avocado, one of the best foods to increase concentration
Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, which help improve and increase concentration and memory, as this study published in Current Neuropharmacology points out .
It can be a great option during exam time. You can fill a whole wheat bread with a pasta prepared with avocado, chicken in threads (roasted or boiled), finely chopped celery and mayonnaise (if it is made with olive oil, much better).
2. Salmon, sardines and anchovies
The high concentrations of omega 3, omega 6 and phosphorus that oily fish offer make them an ideal food to enhance brain functions. According to this article published in the journal Current Medicinal Chemistry , these oils are beneficial in strengthening and developing the central nervous system.
You can vary the avocado paste to fill breads by changing the chicken for salmon (grilled) or prepare some delicious croquettes.
3. Celery
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of celery come from luteolin, a compound that supports learning and memory. You can prepare a salad with finely chopped chicken, apple and celery cubes. Garnish with plain yogurt, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. Blueberries
Its load of antioxidants and anthocyanins protect against neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, among others. In addition, they improve learning, thinking and memory. So, you can make a blueberry and blueberry smoothie. Strain and sweeten to taste, preferably with honey.
5. Broccoli
Its high content of choline (a B vitamin) can not only support the development of the baby’s brain in the womb, but also help prevent the deterioration of cognitive function. Steam the broccoli for about 4 minutes. Mix the finely chopped flowers with short pasta, cooked lentils and crushed walnuts. Season with garlic and turmeric to taste.
6. Chicken bone broth to increase concentration
Chicken bone broth is very rich in minerals and high-quality protein, as this work published in the journal Nutrients points out . Therefore, it is not surprising that its consumption is recommended to obtain its advantages. In addition, it contains collagen and improve arthritis and joints. But above all, a hot broth will relax us and probably make us feel more focused.
To make chicken bone broth, simmer the bones for 12 to 24 minutes. To the water, add carrot, celery, and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Ten minutes before turning off, add parsley. Strain and go.
7. Extra virgin olive oil
As long as the extra virgin olive oil is cold pressed, it will be a rich source of antioxidants to protect memory and promote learning. Add it raw to salads, mayonnaise or pasta.
8. Coconut oil
It is the best source of medium chain triglycerides for neurons. In addition, it helps reduce inflammation and prevents memory loss. Add a handful of crushed walnuts, a quarter cup of raisins, a teaspoon of cinnamon, and a tablespoon of coconut oil to a cup of cooked brown rice.
9. Turmeric
The curcumin present in this tuber is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that stimulates the production of new brain cells, that is, neurogenesis. Turmeric is what gives curry its yellow color. You can make rich mayonnaise with this spice. You can also add it to scrambled eggs to add its particular flavor.
10. Rosemary
The carnosic acid present in this herb helps protect the brain from neurodegenerative damage produced by free radicals, as shown in this study published in the Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research . Season the meat or chicken with finely chopped rosemary leaves. This herb also makes an excellent combination with tomato sauces.
11. Egg yolks
In addition to being another extraordinary source of choline, egg yolks contain phospholipids, vital for neuronal transmission. To a short cooked pasta, add a sauce of paprika, onion and turmeric. Then stir in the cooked and crumbled egg yolks. Finally, to serve, add a little coconut or olive oil.
12. Beet
Also known as beets, they have a high percentage of antioxidants and natural nitrates that increase the blood supply to the brain and improve performance. Blend some beets and carrots in an orange juice, strain and include this juice for breakfast.
13. Walnuts, one of the best foods to increase concentration
Their rich proportion of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants make walnuts a luxury food for neuronal function and help protect brain health, as evidenced by this study published in the Journal of Nutrition .
Make a serving of cream or ricotta cheese. Add finely chopped celery and walnuts. Season with honey, salt and pepper to taste. Finally, spread this cream on cookies at snack time.
In conclusion, we have presented you with several foods to increase concentration. You can incorporate them into your children’s diet to add an extra to their intellectual performance. However, we recommend that you go to the appropriate healthcare professional to resolve any questions that may arise in this regard.