We all know now, brain needs carbohydrates as its fuel to run but it also need other nutrients to perform the tasks we assign and increase memory power. Quality and the quantity of these vitamins and nutrients will decide how well it works, improve memory and brain functioning. By providing these Vitamins and nutrients in the right balance to our brain in combination with the brain exercise or brain fitness program, we can turn it into a super brain. Here is the list of “Food that is good for the Brain”, to create a super brain. Brain food for the adults will be similar to the baby brain food, except the quantity. Please do not choose yourself how much of what to take, consult a diet doctor. Diets, structure of body and chemicals available in every human body is different, excess or lack of these chemicals will determine, how close you can get to having a super healthy brain.

Whether its infant nutrition or child nutrition, a balanced nutrition program will set you in the right direction. A diet consultant or a diet doctor can provide you with the exact nutrition program according to your child’s attributes. Healthy diets, organic foods, and balanced diet full of good natural vitamins will give your child a healthy brain and improved memory power. Healthy eating for kids does not stop at home, teaching children about school nutrition will keep them alert and active at school and provide better brain health.

Choline for brain:

Choline is a component of two fat-like molecules in the brain that are responsible for brain function and health. Choline is good for the brain and memory development.

Sources: Nuts, Eggs yolk, Soy, Wheat germ, Peanuts, also available as choline supplements from health food stores

Antioxidants for brain:

Antioxidants are good for memory improvement. An abundance of foods are packed with brain-boosting antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene, help protect brain cells from free-radical damage caused by environmental pollution. Protection against free radicals is important to protecting the brain well into the golden years.

Sources: Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Pecan nuts, Beans, Legumes, Krill oil, Wheat germ, Green Tea, also available as antioxidant supplements or anti aging supplements from health food stores.

Omega-3 fatty acids for brain:

Remember our brain is made of more than 60 % fat and Omega-3 fatty acids are the essential fatty acids in forming the brain cells and its structure. Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids keeps cells’ membranes flexible and maximizes their ability to allow important nutrients in. They have been proven to improve cognitive functions of the brain.

Sources: Fish like Salmon and Tuna, Avocado, flaxseed oil, olive oil, nuts like almond and walnut, krill oil, Fish oil supplements

Folic Acid for brain:

Folic acid improves performance of information processing speed and memory. In studies it has proven that folic acid can prevent or even in some case reverse memory loss.

Sources: Wheat germ, Papaya, Orange juice, Black eyed peas, Lentils, Spinach, Broccoli, also available as folic acid supplement from health food stores.

Carbohydrates for brain:

Carbohydrates are the only source of energy for the brain. Complex, whole-grain carbohydrates contain folate and other B vitamins which help improve memory function and are rich in fiber, providing a steady stream of energy.

Sources: Whole grains, Potato, Sweet potato, Dry dates and apricots, Honey, Jaggery, Red kidney beans

Iron for brain:

Iron helps protect the brain from oxidative stress while reducing the risk of suffering from an age-related decline in function. Iron-rich foods also improve mental alertness and energy levels. Iron is important for brain health because a deficiency can impair concentration and mental performance.

Sources: Red meat, Poultry, Spinach, Dried fruits, Citrus fruits, Fruit juices, Berries, Tomato, Capsicum, Broccoli, Cabbage, Raisin bran, also available as iron supplements from health food stores

Magnesium for brain:

Magnesium protects the brain from toxic effects of chemicals such as food additives. Magnesium is a mineral that helps relax blood vessels, preventing the constriction and dilation characteristic of migraine and tension headaches.

Sources: Wheat germ, Kelp, Sunflower seeds, Nuts, Spinach, Tea, Raisin bran, also available as magnesium supplements from health food stores

Water for brain:

Staying well-hydrated is extremely important and helps prevent fatigue and keep concentration levels going strong.

Source: Water, Juices, Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Vitamins for brain:

B vitamins play an essential role in brain function. In combination with folic acid, vitamins B6 and vitamin B12 help manufacture and release chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters. The nervous system relies on neurotransmitters to communicate messages within the brain, such as those that regulate mood, hunger, and sleep.

Essential Vitamins:

Vitamin a (Beta Carotene):

Promotes growth and repair of body tissues, reduces susceptibility to infections, aids in bone and teeth formation, and maintains smooth skin.

Vitamin b1 (Thiamin):

Promotes growth and muscle tone; aids in the proper functioning of the muscles, heart, and nervous system, assists in digestion of carbohydrates.

Vitamin b2 (Riboflavin):

Maintains good vision and healthy skin, hair, and nails, assists in formation of antibodies and red blood cells, aids in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.

Vitamin b3 (Niacin amide):

Reduces cholesterol levels in the blood, maintains healthy skin, tongue, and digestive system, improves blood circulation, and increases energy.

Vitamin b5:

Fortifies white blood cells, helps the body’s resistance to stress, and builds cells.

Vitamin b6 (Pyridoxine):

Aids in the synthesis and breakdown of amino acids and the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, supports the central nervous system, and maintains healthy skin.

Vitamin b12 (Cobalamin):

Promotes growth in children, prevents anemia by regenerating red blood cells, aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, maintains healthy nervous system.

Biotin:

Aids in the metabolism of proteins and fats; promotes healthy skin.

Choline:

Helps development of brain and liver, eliminate toxins.

Folic Acid (Folate, Folacin):

Promotes the growth and reproduction of body cells. Aids in the formation of red blood cells and bone marrow.

Vitamin c (Ascorbic Acid):

One of the major antioxidants, essential for healthy teeth, gums, and bones, helps to heal wounds, fractures, and scar tissue, builds resistance to infections, assists in the prevention and treatment of the common cold, prevents scurvy

Vitamin d:

Improves the absorption of calcium and phosphorous (essential in the formation of healthy bones and teeth) maintains nervous system.

Vitamin e:

A major antioxidant, supplies oxygen to blood, provides nourishment to cells, prevents blood clots, slows cellular aging.

Vitamin k (Menadione):

Prevents internal bleeding, reduces heavy menstrual flow.

Other Vitamin supplements for brain

• Selenium supplements

• Ginkgo Biloba supplements

• Chromium supplements

• Zinc supplements

• Calcium supplements

Bad food for brain

• Foods with artificial sweeteners or coloring

• High-fructose corn syrup

• Sugary fruit drinks soft drinks and alcohol

• Refined oils, white sugars and breads

• Trans fats and partially-hydrogenated oils

• Processed snack foods and meats

Have you ever watched “Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends” on Cartoon Network? It has more than 2000 imaginary characters and the show has taken the kids world by storm in its first year itself. Did it make you think how many imaginary friends live in your house? You may argue it depends on individual “Parenting Style”, or it does not occur for “Preschool Children”, or even that it appears only in “Kids Stories”. I have been digging into this mystery and it’s answers for a while now.

A peek into one of the most intriguing childhood mysteries reveals that imaginary playmates are a staple of early development and persist well into the school years, later than researchers once thought. It is estimated up to 65 per cent of children will have an imaginary friend, generally from the age of three to nine years – and these kids tend to be more creative, or a first-born or only child.

There are lots of different types of imaginary friends, it can be an “invisible friend”, someone only the child can see, but it can also be a “personified object” like a toy figurine, a teddy bear or even an innocent doll, that have real and immense person-like attributes for the child. Sometimes the imaginary friend acts as a child’s alter-ego, taking the blame for the toys that didn’t get picked up or saying “bad words”, causing “behavior problems”. Sometimes the imaginary friend is just a wonderful playmate. Most kids, sooner or later, come to realize their make-believe buddies are not of this world and imaginary friends fade away but some studies have found that kids as old as 12 having imaginary friends.

This phenomenon is really misunderstood. It was always thought that its rare, child must be having problems, kid must be seeing invisible people like ghosts. Those days are gone when psychologists and parents started to worry about children’s well being after knowing about an imaginary friend. Pretend play is vital to children’s development. Imaginary friends are just an extension of pretend play, which is a normal, healthy and important part of a young child’s development. Pretend play gives children a chance to learn about roles, relationships, power, and control. Pretend play also gives children a chance to work through the multitude of feelings they experience daily. Although make-believe was long considered the realm of little girls, now it’s clear that both sexes engage in fantasy play, with some gender differences.

Main reason for having imaginary friends as believed by researchers is, loneliness, where the kid does not have access to friends. Not being able to interact with people and put his thoughts forward, makes the child to start talking to the toys and imaginary friends. The child has no fear or inhibitions talking to someone that’s so close to the reality. Children are testing and answering their curiosities when they interacted with an imaginary friend. They gain communication skills by having one side of the conversation but also inventing their imaginary friend’s side of the conversation. Children learn the complexities of spoken expression sooner with the help of an imaginary friend. They can act as a child’s trusted confidant when there’s no one else to tell their secrets to. Believe it or not even small children have issues that are too private to tell us, watch your child making up stories and try to analyze them. Dig into those stories with extra “Interest”.

As it is normal to have imaginary friends, it is also important for the parents to keep control over those imaginary friends. Use your parenting discipline powers, sometimes these imaginary friends can tell your kid to go for a walk without letting you know or may be, to throw things around. Here are some rules you can make for your child and the imaginary friend:

Don’t let the imaginary friend be your child’s only companion. Kids need to socialize with other children for their own development and learning. If your child does not have any friends and does not show any interest in having friends, talk to the teacher or the doctor and help him/her out.

Don’t let your child shift responsibility for every wrong thing they do to the imaginary friend.

Treat the imaginary friend with respect. This means remembering the name, greeting and wishing good on the occasions. Apologizing when don’t see the imaginary friend standing in your way.

Don’t use imaginary friend to manipulate your child, your child will start hating that confidant imaginary friend as well.

Have fun yourself and let the child have fun as well with the imaginary child.

Here’s the link to games and activities based on “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends” on “Cartoon Network”