The development and growth of children between 0-6 years is crucial for puberty and adulthood. Toddlers need a holistic and overall growth and these includes their physical, emotional and mental health. As a parent, watching your child excel at school is a joy compared to none.
This stage of your child’s life is vital for you to nurture and develop their intellectual capacity. And you can further bolster this by incorporating certain meals into their diet. This article will help you use simple Nigerian meals to boost the cognitive performance of your toddler.
5 Nigerian foods to help you raise smarter toddlers
Kids are a walking powerhouse; whatever you feed them will fuel their physical and mental abilities. Here are 5 local meals to help your toddler grow smarter:
- Dairy products
Dairy products such as eggs, meat, milk and yoghurt are highly proteinous and rich in essential vitamins like vitamin B. Vitamin B aids in the growth of the brain cells. These neurotransmitters send impulses and signals to the brain and enzymes to control metabolic processes. Diary products are rich in vitamin D which helps to maintain bone health as toddlers have rapidly growing bones.
- Nuts
If you want to raise smarter kids, add nuts to their meals and snack time. Nuts such as ground nuts, cashews, almonds, etc., help maintain brain function till old age.
The fatty acids in nuts help toddlers attain maximum attention. Nuts also contain a substantial amount of iron, which carries oxygen to the brain. Nuts are also a powerhouse of energy and boost brain alertness and information retention.
- Dark chocolate
Chocolates are an awesome snack for children at this stage. Dark chocolate increases blood flow to the brain and contains little caffeine suitable for children. So, allow them to munch on a reasonable amount of dark chocolate.
- Fish
Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that promote brain health, enhance cognition activity, and boost concentration.
- Plantain
Plantains are rich in potassium and vitamin C, providing energy to the brain. You can cook, fry, bake or roast plantains for your toddler. You can also pair it with a fish sauce or fried eggs.
Boosting brain performance in toddlers is a holistic approach through creative learning paths and using diets. Explore these meals to help better your toddler's brain health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I give my toddler supplements to make them smart?
Administering supplements early on for toddlers isn't necessary. You can feed them well and use creative ways to indulge your toddler in healthy, brain-boosting meals.
- Can I feed my toddler vegetables?
Green, leafy vegetables boost your toddler's brain health and serve as an extra layer of defence to their immune system.
- Can I feed my toddler yoghurt?
Yoghurt is an excellent choice for your toddler as it’s under dairy products. It boosts brain performance and serves as a source of energy for brain health.
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