7 crucial foods to grow a clever baby

The way the brain develops during pregnancy and in the first 1000 days of a child’s life is the scaffolding which will determine how a child’s brain will work for the rest of their life. These connection and changes will affect everything including memory, attention, processing speed, the ability to control emotions, impulses and even the ability to multitask. This is why eating the right foods to get all the necessary nutrients is so critical. Health Harvard’s research lists 11 crucial nutrients for brain development, and we have completed our own research to find you 7 super foods so you can grow your clever baby (or babies) with all the necessary nutrients.

These 7 foods will give you the nutrients needed to grow a clever baby

1. Salmon

Salmon is yummy and extra nutritious for you and your baby. The flesh of the fatty fish salmon is chocked full of the ‘sunshine vitamin’ – Vitamin D. Salmon also contains omega 3 fatty acids and b12 which are all essential nutrients for a baby’s developing brain.

2. Eggs

Eggs are rich sources of choline, vitamin D, B6, B12 and minerals such as zinc, iron and copper. so don’t be afriaid to gobble down your favourite scrambled eggs or fried eggs for breakfast!

3. Lean Meat

Vitamin B₁₂ which is naturally found in animal products can be found in lean meat. In addition, zinc, iron and protein are commonly found in meat. A great excuse to cook your favourite steak or roast dinner!

4. Spinach

Spinach is a great source of vitamin A, C, K, folate, iron and B2 – perfect for pregnant women who benefit from consuming additional iron and folate!

5. Seaweed

Just in case you need an excuse to go to your favourite sushi restaurant: Seaweed is a great source of iodine which is necessary in pregnancy. We can also get iodine from iodized salt, seafood, dairy products, and enriched grains.

6. Chickpeas

Those who consume chickpeas and/or hummus have been shown to have higher nutrient intakes of fibre, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, folate, and iron. This makes it an ideal food to eat during pregnancy for a growing baby.

7. Fortified breakfast cereals

Most breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin A, b1, b2, b3, b6, b12, D, folic acid, zinc, iron and calcium! An excellent addition to a balanced meal to give your baby the nutrients needed to grow a clever brain.

Do you have any more to add to the list? Leave us a comment below.

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