How diet enhances brain power

Feb 24, 2003

A naturally bright child may perform poorly academically, if not fed on foods that boost memory, facilitate learning and aid brain and nerve function

Nutrition With Grace Canada

According to research a child’s nutritional status greatly affects his or her academic progress. A child could be naturally bright, but if he or she has nutritional deficiencies the academic performance is likely to be poor.

While it is important to eat well balanced meals containing protein, starch, fruits and vegetables. Some foods are better than others.

For example, there are foods that have been proved to enhance brain and nerve function, boost memory, and facilitate learning.

The good news is that such foods are reasonably priced and commonly available at most markets all over Uganda.

Here is a list of the top 10 super memory foods, and some easy recipes for you to try out.
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Roasted soya beans and soya products.
  • Beef with fat trimmed off.
  • Chicken liver.
  • Whole wheat bread, or chapati prepared with whole-wheat flour.
  • Chicken.
  • Ripe bananas, and plantain (gonja).
  • Skimmed milk (milk with fat removed.)
  • Avocado.

    Some of these super memory foods can be combined in delicious recipes. Let us look at a few convenient combinations.

    Recipe 1
    Banana - yoghurt combination. You will need the following ingredients ripe banana and plain yoghurt.

    Method of preparation
  • Select a medium size ripe bananan (bogoya) or three small ones (sukalindizi) and one cup plain yoghurt.

    For a better taste, use bananas that have brown spots on them. This means they are quite ripe and sweet.

  • Peel and cut the banana into small pieces mix with yoghurt. Serve as after school snack or after supper desert.

    Recipe 2
    Avocado salad: Ingredients, one medium size ripe avocado 1/4 teaspoon lemon Juice, one large ripe tomato, onions (optional) and a pinch of salt.

    Method of preparation
  • Wash avocado and tomatoes well. Slice and cut avocado into small pieces. Remove tomato seeds, chop into small pieces. Combine ingredients in a bowl and toss.

    Serve with whole wheat bread as an after school snack, or avocado salad can be served with supper.

    Allow one banana + one cup yoghurt per child, and one avocado + one tomato per child.

    However, these are not the only brain foods. There are many others but those mentioned are the best.

    We hope your children will enjoy the recipes.
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