To absorb knowledge excellently, one should not eat burgers and pizza.
A child's brain is forced to process a huge amount of information every day. With the start of the school year, this flow increases significantly. Given the growing burden on students each year, it is no wonder that many struggle with the school curriculum and start receiving low grades. Of course, declining academic performance can be the result of many factors, including the atmosphere in the child's family, their social circle, age, and so on. However, one of the reasons that parents rarely consider is nutrition. Pediatric gastroenterologist Olga Goryacheva listed the top 5 foods that must be included in a student's diet in an interview with WomanHit.
Fatty Fish
It can be included in the diet in any form: lightly salted, baked, stewed, in salads, snacks, or as a main dish. Ideally, a child should eat fish at least a couple of times a week.
Nuts
“A small handful of nuts (just the right size for a child's palm) should become your student's daily snack. Nuts help stimulate memory and allow for better concentration and absorption of new knowledge. By the way, berries have a similar effect, so it’s good to alternate snacks,” says the medical expert.
Broccoli and Fresh Greens
Greens and any green vegetables are rich in iron, which helps supply oxygen to the brain, vitamin K, which protects the brain's blood vessels, as well as substances that stimulate mental activity.
Dark Chocolate
This effective and tasty stimulant also helps children cope with high workloads. “Chocolate with at least 55% cocoa content is great as a snack. Just don’t overdo it. 3–4 squares is quite a sufficient portion,” explains the expert.
Eggs
Scrambled eggs and omelets for breakfast before school are the best option. Choline in the yolk is necessary for the synthesis of acetylcholine, the transmitter of signals between nerve cells. This directly affects memory (both short-term and long-term), attention span, and overall intellectual activity. Choline is also found in liver. If a child is not very fond of this product, homemade pâté or pancakes can be prepared.
