Jakarta, ThedailyID — What children eat every day can affect more than just their physical health. Their diet can also influence energy levels, mood, and ability to concentrate.
“It’s so important to feed a healthy developing brain and a child healthy foods as well, to keep their brain development strong and their minds healthy,” said Dr. Uma Naidoo in a Youtube video by CNBC Make It, Friday (28/08).
Dr. Uma Naidoo is a nutritional psychiatrist, brain expert, and faculty member at Harvard Medical School. She emphasizes that children should be introduced to healthy whole foods and essential nutrients from an early age to support healthy brain development and sharper thinking.
Foods high in sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and certain additives may provide fewer essential nutrients when consumed too often. According to News Medical, these are five types of food parents should consider limiting:
1. Packaged snacks
Chips, sweet biscuits, candy, and other packaged snacks can contain high amounts of added sugar, salt, fat, and additives. Eating them too frequently may replace more nutritious whole foods.
2. Sugary drinks
Soda, sweetened tea, and packaged drinks can contribute to excessive sugar intake. Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect energy, mood, and concentration in some children.
3. Foods containing trans fats
Some processed foods contain trans fats, which should be limited as part of a healthy diet. Healthier fat sources include fish, avocado, nuts, and seeds.
4. Products with excessive artificial sweeteners
Children who regularly consume very sweet foods and drinks can be encouraged to enjoy the natural flavors of fruits and other foods instead.
5. Fast food
Burgers, fried chicken, fries, and pizza are often high in calories, salt, and fat. Eating them too frequently can also leave less room for nutrient-rich foods.
Rather than completely banning these foods, parents can focus on building a more balanced diet with protein, carbohydrates, vegetables, and fruit. How food is prepared also matters when it comes to supporting a child’s overall nutrition.
Source: TED-Ed, “How to Stay Healthy: Food for Your Brain” — featuring Dr. Uma Naidoo, YouTube.
