The relationship of nutrition and intelligence. If your diet does not contain enough nutrients it needs, and this situation lasts longer, will cause metabolic changes in the brain, resulting in the inability to function normally happen. In a more severe and chronic, malnutrition causes growth of the body affected, followed by the smaller body size of the brain is also small. The number of cells in the brain reduced and there immaturity and imperfection biochemical organization in the brain. This situation affects the development of intelligence.
There are two ways to explain how Malnourished affect the behavior and intelligence of children. The first road is irreversible effects Malnourished directly from the state to the system function of the composition of central nervous system neurons. Animal studies have been conducted based on this model, conducted during the period of development is considered susceptible to environmental influences. A model of a parallel study was conducted in human infants. The results showed that there is a different behavior between the baby anemic and non anemic in function neurotransmitter. Iron is known to play a very important role in the metabolism of the transmitter on the composition of the central nervous system.
The second street on the effect of nutrition on intelligence are indirect effects. Malnourished cause self-isolation, which is maintained for not expend a lot of energy by reducing the activity of social interaction, activity, exploratory behavior, attention, and motivation. In the circumstances less energy and protein, children become inactive, apathetic, passive, and unable to concentrate. As a result children in activities exploration in the surrounding physical environment can only briefly compared with well nourished children who are able to do so in time is longer. As a result of cognitive development hampered, pressured by a decrease in activity in the state mechanism Malnourished.
Nutrients for intelligence – intelligence, skill, and mental development of young children can not be separated from the growth and development of brain cells.
In order for a child’s brain develops optimal, of course, a mother had to meet a variety of nutrients needed. Moreover, science teaches that brain continues to grow until the child is two years old. That is, in that golden period, toddlers should eat nutritionally complete and balanced, especially for brain development.
The world’s a lot of various nutrient essential for brain development, but there are some of the most important., but there are some of the most important. Among these are group of unsaturated fatty acids, calories and protein, iron, vitamin B complex, and zinc (Zn).
1. Unsaturated fatty acids
Unsaturated fatty acids are very dominant in the arrangement of the nerve cells in the brain. In fact it is known that 60% of the human brain consists of different types of fat it. Which includes unsaturated fatty acids are:
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) or what is known as omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids play a major role in the development of nerve cells, brain, and vision. Omega-3 deficiency may interfere with the development of the nervous system. As a result, it may be the disruption of the immune system, memory, mental, and vision.
AA (arachidonic acid) or omega-6. This fatty acid helps the formation of compounds that behave like hormones, which served as introductory orders from one nerve cell to nerve cell in the body, including the brain.
Both of these fatty acids found in breast milk. After receiving food intake, fatty acids can be obtained from fish, mackerel or tuna, spinach, oil soybean, and sunflower oil.
2. Calories and protein
Calorie and protein deficiency can cause a child’s brain grows optimally and will not cause motor disturbances and intelligence. Calorie needed in the metabolism of the brain, while the protein plays a role in the formation of new nerve cells, including the brain. The second source of these nutrients include beef, chicken, fish, eggs, and milk and other dairy products. Also fish oil, tofu, and soy.
3. Iron
Iron plays a major role in the formation of new cells, including the brain, where it transports and distributes oxygen from the lungs to the rest of body. He was also instrumental in the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Immune system to function properly is a sign insufficient iron in the body. Sources are liver, red meat, fish, eggs, cereals, and dark green vegetables.
4. Vitamins B Complex
Different types of vitamin B is very large role in the brain development of children, namely B1, B3, B6, and B12. Vitamin B1 protects nerve cells in the central tissue, B3 work balance nerve cells, B6 plays a role in the formation of red blood cells and helps the body in the absorption of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats; B12 plays a role in forming chemical compounds that support the growth and function of nerve cells and growth of the spine, and prevent nerve damage and improve memory. Together with iron, vitamin B12 also helps formation of red blood cells. Sources of vitamin B are cereals, nuts, seeds, fish, chicken, lean meat, dairy products, and green vegetables.
5. Zinc (Zn)
Zinc helps the brain to deliver genetic information in cells. In addition, zinc is also responsible for assisting the formation of body cells, including the brain. Zinc deficiency can affect the development of intelligent children and brain dysfunction. Zinc is found in meat, liver, chicken, seafood, dairy, grains, and nuts.
Brain Food
Specific brain foods can help a child’s brain growth, and improve brain function, memory, and concentration. Thus, your child could do better in school.
1. salmon
Acid fatty fish such as salmon is a source of omega-3 DHA and EPA are good, both are essential for growth and brain function. In fact, recent research shows that people who consume more fatty acids in their diet had a brain a sharper and able to perform better mental tests.
Tuna is also an alternative source of fatty acids omega-3 content although not as rich as salmon.
2. eggs
Eggs are known as a high source of protein, but egg whites are also contain choline, which helps the development of memory. Complete breakfast your child in the morning with eggs. You can serve it in different variations.
3. peanut butter
Peanuts and peanut butter are good sources of vitamin E, an antioxidant potential to protect the nervous system, as well as thiamin which helps the brain and nervous system use glucose for energy.
4. pure rice / grains
The brain requires glucose supply on an ongoing basis, and rice / grains are a rich source of glucose. Fiber helps regulation of the release glucose into the body. Grains also contain B vitamins, which nourish the nervous system.
5. wheat / flour havermot
Wheat hot cereal in the form of good for your child. Wheat is rich in nutrients that provide good energy fuel for the brain, this The first thing necessary is your child in the morning.
Wheat is also rich in fiber and keep awake brain food intake while in school. In addition, wheat is a good source of vitamin E, B, potassium and zinc, which makes our brain and body function optimally.
6. berries
Strawberries, cherries, blueberries, blackberries. In general, the stronger the color, the more nutrients contained berry. Berry contains high levels of antioxidants, especially vitamin C, which can help prevent cancer.
Studies have shown that extracts of berries can boost memory. Berry fruit seeds are also a source of omega-3 fats are good. You can eat berries by adding it to the yogurt, hot cereal, or according to your taste and their Children.
7. nuts
Nuts are a source of food is special because it contains protein and complex carbohydrates, fiber, these foods during the day.
8. colorful vegetables
Tomatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, and spinach, foods with strong colors, is the best source of antioxidants that keep brain cells remain strong and healthy.
9. milk and yogurt
Foods made from milk is rich in protein and vitamin B, content of which is important for the growth of brain tissue, neurotransmitters, and enzymes. Milk and yogurt are also a source of protein and carbohydrates, a better source of energy for the brain.
Recent research shows that children and teens need 10 times as much vitamin D, an important vitamin for the system neuromuscular and cell cycles in humans.
10. lean beef
Iron is an essential mineral that helps kids stay energized and keep concentration at school. Lean beef is one of the source of iron easily absorbed by the body.
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