By Sade Adewale,
Ondo

Parents have been charged to give their children diets that will help their brains grow well so that they can excel in their studies.

A nutritionist, Mrs Adunola Sunday stated this in an interview with The Hope in Ondo, said when the body was given junk foods, especially the children, their brain will suffer from it
She added that the brain is a very hungry organ, is the first body organ to absorb nutrients from the food we eat, said growing bodies like children’s brains need different types of nutrients that will help them get the most from school.

Mrs Sunday said protein, fat, vitamins, nuts, nutritious grain-like oatmeal among others were nutrients that keep the children’s mind sharp by hiking blood flow to their brain.
She further said that fat is also important to the brain, while advising parents to add yoghurt to their children’s diet in order to keep their brain cells in good form for sending and receiving information.

She also added that folate and vitamins were linked to lower odds of getting dementia later in life.

Mrs Sunday explained that fish is also a good source of vitamin D and Omega-3s, which protect the brain from declining mental skills and memory loss.
According to her, sardines and some fishes that are rich in omega-3s would help the brain to function well and the children would be able to focus and assimilate.
The nutritionist stated that peanuts and peanut butter are a good sources of vitamin E, potent antioxidant that protects nervous membranes and thiamin to help the brain and nervous system that uses glucose for energy.

She said nutrients packed with protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, nuts and seeds boost mood and keep the nervous system in check.
According to her, oats are one of the most familiar hot cereals for children and a very nutritious grain for the brain, adding that Oats provide excellent energy for the brain that children need especially in the morning.

Mrs Sunday added that protein and fibre-rich oatmeal helps keep heart and brain arteries clear, saying children who ate sweetened oatmeal did better on memory-related school tasks than those who ate a sugary cereal.

She advised parents to make their children more friendly with fruits especially apples and plums that contain quercetin, an antioxidant that fights the decline in mental skills.
The nutritionist further said that Beans are special because they have energy from protein, complex carbs and fibre with lots of vitamins and minerals.
Also said beans are an excellent brain food because they keep children energy and thinking level at peak all times.

Mrs Sunday noted that iron is an essential mineral that helps children stay energized and concentrate at school, nothing that beef is one of the best-absorbed sources of iron and also contains zinc, which helps the memory.