The first thing the kids do when they get home from school after dropping all of their belongings by the door is ask their parents to make them an after-school snack.
Use these brain boosting ingredients to prepare delicious snacks that will help improve their memory. It’s a great way to make sure they are getting mental as well as physical energy after a busy day at school.
Chocolate
Yes, you read that correctly! Chocolate-lovers rejoiced when a study from the University of Maine found that chocolate consumption leads to significantly improved results in tests. Some of the enhanced skills include “Visual-Spatial Memory and Organization, Working Memory, Scanning and Tracking, and Abstract Reasoning”.
So go ahead and let your little scholars dig into that chocolate bar once a week, just be sure to mix that with some healthier memory boosting snacks as well!
Berries
Berries make a great snack for kids because it is one fruit that they will eat pretty happily. Chalk it up to the bright colors and sweet flavors. It turns out that the vibrant color of berries also contributes to their nutrition.
A Harvard study found that eating specifically blueberries helps retain memory function. Although the study focused on middle-aged and above women, these benefits can be realized by children eating berries as well.
Salmon
Now we know that not all kids are keen on fish, but eating snacks with this and other oily fish are one of the best ways to strengthen the brain! The omega-3 fatty acids in fish make up many important parts of the brain cell structure which help to improve memory.
Give your kids simple salmon maki sushi and you can even encourage them to eat with their hands to make snack time more fun. If your kids really hate the taste or texture of raw salmon, opt for canned salmon mixed in a tuna-salad style sandwich.
Yogurt
Yogurt and other dairy foods are high in B-vitamins. These vitamins contribute to the growth of brain tissue and neurotransmitters and provide energy and oxygen to the brain.
Get your kids the variety-pack of yogurt so they don’t get tired of eating the same flavors all the time. These are a convenient snack for them to take on the go in their lunch boxes or for an energy boost during a busy Saturday afternoon.
Avocado
This is another food that may fall into the acquired taste category - some kids will be delighted to eat something that is bright green, others not so much.
Avocados are a great all-around snack for kids (and adults!). They have a tonne of monosaturated fats, which help control blood sugar levels, vitamins and omega fatty acids. Rich in vitamin K, avocados improves cognitive functions such as memory and concentration.
Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil has finally shed its negative reputation as being an unhealthy fat and is now considered a miracle boost on everything from skin and hair to memory. Because it works as a natural anti-inflammatory which can help prevent memory loss.
Although coconut oil itself is certainly not a delicious snack, it is an ingredient that can be used in the preparation of many healthy and delicious snacks that your kids will love.
Peanut Butter
Full of vitamin E and proteins, peanut butter both protects the brain and improves its power. The high level of protein helps boost brain function so starting the day with some peanut butter will help your little ones stay sharp throughout the day.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a great source of zinc which helps to improve brain power and memory. It helps that they are not just nutritious, but also delicious! Besides zinc, they are also high in those great fatty acids omega 3 and omega 6 both of which help improve memory and brain development.
Eggs
We love eggs because of how versatile they are - not only can they be prepared in many ways but they can be used to add protein to dishes we already love. Eggs have a high level of protein which helps improve cognitive performance. Try out some these recipes for creative ways to serve eggs to your kids.
Sweet Potatoes
These bright orange veggies are healthier than regular potatoes and it’s actually because of their vibrant hue. Sweet potatoes are rich in carotenoids, carbohydrates and vitamin B6, all of which help to improve brain power and memory. Try making these healthy sweet potato chips for a snack your kids will love!
What are your little one's favorite go-to afternoon snacks after a busy school day? Let us know in the comments how you make sure that your kids are eating healthy foods that support their brain development!
This article was originally published from theAsianparent Singapore.