6 Compulsory nutrition to support your child's intelligence
Although the environment and education is a big factor in the intelligence of the little one, it cannot be denied the nutrients have a very important role.
Food is one of the important factors in the growth of little children. Especially in the first 1,000 days of life, quality nutrients with adequate quantity is a necessity that must be fulfilled to grow the little child optimally. One of them is brain development and intelligence.
Although the environment and education are a big factor in the brain development process, the nutrients cannot be denied in a very important role. The growth and development of brain cells require a variety of nutrients that cannot be produced by the body.
Inevitably, these nutrients should be picked from outside through food. Therefore, our mothers need to know what nutrients must be met to support the child's intelligence. Here are six of them as quoted from Harvard Medical School and The National Center for Biotechnology Information:
1. Alpha Lactalbumin
Alpha Lactalbumin is a protein that is widely found in milk. The presence of Alpha Lactalbumin in the nutrition of the child is beneficial to ensure the number of amino acids needed during the growing of its efficacy.
The amino acids themselves are essential for the brain development of the little ones. This nutrient is known to help its intellect, such as its allure and memory, become more optimal. Research also proves that Alpha Lactalbumin plays an important role in stimulating the immune system so that it is not easy to get sick.
2. choline
Choline along with an iron will help the formation of myelin. As for choline with zinc plays a role in neurotransmitter synthesis.
This compound is important to support the development of brain function and improve memory and capture power. Choline can be found in meats, dairy, eggs, as well as various types of vegetables.
3. Protein
Protein is the source of energy needed for the body to grow and develop. Various cells in the body require protein to divide and differentiate, including brain cells. Therefore, small protein needs are very important to fulfill.
One type of protein is lactoferrin, which has potential anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and antifungal, as well as anti-inflammatory and allergy-resistant functions. All of this potential is certainly beneficial to the development of the little ones thoroughly, including the development of its intelligence.
Protein can be obtained from animal sources such as meat and milk, as well as vegetable-like nuts.
4. Zinc
Zinc is needed in the process of DNA synthesis and supports the production of neurotransmitters in the brain. This nutrient will help the memory and the allure of the child. The foods rich in zinc are oysters, red meat, fish, milk, and beans.
5. Iron
Iron is essential for energy and distribution of oxygen to various organs of the body, including the brain. Iron is also a constituent ingredient of myelin which is a coating of nerve fibers and a role in the metabolism of cells in the brain.
Iron can be obtained from red meat, nuts, and green leafy vegetables.
6. Essential Fatty acids
There are many different types of essential amino acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6. Omega-3s like AHA, DHA, and EPA as well as omega-6 are important for nerve cell growth in the brain.
This content is commonly obtained from fatty fish or fish oil. Essential fatty acids can also be found on a variety of fortified foods.
Also, it is important to maintain the health of the child's gastrointestinal tract, so that all the nutrients that support the development of the brain and intelligence can be digested and well absorbed.
One that is also important to fulfill is the need for the good flora, such as the probiotic Triple Bifidus as well as the food fiber galactooligosaccharides or GOS. GOS food fiber is the nutritional support of the growth of good bacteria in the intestine so that the digestion is maintained and maintained healthy.