Your baby’s developing brain is a sponge for essential nutrients: protein, certain fats, choline, copper, folate, iron, iodine, selenium, vitamin A, and zinc. You do not have to memorize these – check out our list below on the top brain foods that contain those key essential nutrients.
The brain is neuroplastic, which means that the brain can continue to grow and evolve in a self-correcting way when the missing nutrients or movements are supplied. Healthy nutrition in mother’s diet is most influenced on baby’s brain during weeks 24-42 during pregnancy. What can be affected by nutrition the most for the brain?
BRAIN-DRIVEN JOBS AFFECTED BY NUTRITION:
1. Overall brain function
2. Memory ability
3. Processing speed
4. Motor/Movement function
5. Taste palate in childhood
So what kind of foods would contain the essential nutrients that can help optimize baby’s brain development?
TOP BRAIN FOODS TO EAT WHILE EXPECTING:
Protein-rich- nuts, seeds, whole grain, organic eggs, organic meat, wild fish
Fats- nuts, seeds, avocado, coconut, wild fish, organic eggs
Choline- quinoa, broccoli, organic eggs, scallops
Copper- sesame seeds, cashews, shiitake and crimini mushrooms, turnip greens
Folate- dark leafy greens (kale, collard greens, spinach), whole grains, legumes
Iron- lentils, dark chocolate, dried peaches and prunes, spinach, blackstrap molasses
Iodine- sea vegetables (kelp, arame, kiziki), scallops, wild cod
Selenium- shiitake and crimini mushrooms, asparagus, sardines
Vitamin A- carrots, sweet potatoes, mangos, kale, cantaloupe
Zinc- raw pepitas (shelled raw pumpkin seeds), wheat germ, almonds, collard greens, cocoa