Perhaps you have heard the joke, "The child is eating what is really clever how come?" In fact, intelligence is not only influenced by genetics, intelligence is also influenced by the daily nutritional intake, even from pregnancy. For example in disease cretinism due to iodine mineral deficiencies, besides causing impaired growth, impaired child development is also characterized by mental retardation.
Various studies conducted to determine whether nutrients affect the child's intelligence. Be a confounding socioeconomic factors are most important in research on this topic. Socio-economic factors affect the type and amount of nutrients that can be provided by parents to children, since even in the womb. The studies are designed as possible to reduce the likelihood of these confounding factors. As a result, significantly, most research suggests that the results of children who had higher IQ was obtained a better nutrition. Not only macronutrient that is influential in this regard, but also a variety of micronutrients. This is shown by research-control trial in which a control group of pregnant women are not given the vitamin and mineral supplements while pregnant women in the treatment group was given. The result, after birth and 3 years old, children of mothers who were in the treatment group had a higher IQ.
Well, let us identify foods that are rich in these nutrients to improve the intelligence of the child:
salmon
Since long salmon is considered as a healthy food. Salmon is a fatty fish is the best source for omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), which plays an important role in the growth and development of brain function. Recent studies show that people who consume omega-3 have thought sharper and showed satisfactory results in a variety of testing capabilities.
Egg
Not less than salmon, egg even has been known as an important source of protein, easy to obtain, and the price is relatively cheap. White eggs are rich in choline which is important for memory development.
Peanut butter
Peanuts and peanut butter are rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that plays a role in protecting nerve cell membranes. Nuts are also a source of fiber, minerals, and vitamins are good. Peanut is good for the brain because it is able to provide energy for a long time and can improve thinking ability. Research shows red beans and beans contain omega-3 (especially ALA).
Wheat
The brain needs a constant supply of glucose. The fiber contained in oats can help the release of glucose in the body. In addition, vitamin B in oats helpful in maintaining a healthy nervous system.
oat
Oat is the food which is currently quite popular with the public because it is able to absorb excess cholesterol. Oats are widely consumed by children and adults in the form of cereals. Oats are one of the important nutrients for the brain. Fiber in them as well as zinc, potassium, vitamin B, and vitamin E help the body function and brain.
Berry
Strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, and others contain vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant and can improve memory function. In addition, seed berries contain omega-3 highly needed brain.
colored vegetables
Colored vegetables such as spinach, carrots, and tomatoes are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that keep brain cells strong and healthy.
Meat
Lean beef is a major source of iron. Iron plays a role in the formation of hemoglobin and oxygen binding in the blood. The brain works better when the blood rich in oxygen, so that the iron indirectly plays a role in increasing concentrations and the child becomes more energetic. Other minerals, such as zinc, contained in meat helps in improving memory.
Milk and yogurt
Dairy products are rich in vitamin B and protein. The nutrients required by the body for growth of brain tissue, enzymes and neurotransmitters that was instrumental in the brain.
So, if you want your kids smart and active, give the above foods in the womb.