Children need to pay attention to intellectual development during their growth period in order to become smarter. So how can children improve their intelligence and brain health? Let's take a look at this brain-boosting recipe that is suitable for children and adolescents who are still growing. Remember to make it for your children to eat!
Children's Brain-Boosting Recommended Recipe: Fish and Tofu Soup
Main effects: Enhances intelligence and brain health, promotes development.
Recommended for: General population, especially children and adolescents in the growth and development stage (excluding individuals with high uric acid levels).
Ingredients: 200g sand whiting fish, 500g soft tofu, a suitable amount of ginger (serves 3-4).
Cooking method: Heat a little vegetable oil and ginger in a pot. Once the oil is slightly warm, fry the sand whiting fish on both sides until slightly golden. Then add 1.5L of boiling water and the soft tofu. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Finally, season with salt, sesame oil, green onion, and white pepper according to personal taste before serving.
Soup review:
This soup uses sand whiting fish as the main ingredient, which is rich in protein (19.8g of protein per 100g edible portion). It also contains a significant amount of unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin D, which are important nutrients for children's brain and height development. Tofu is added to the soup, which is rich in calcium (116mg of calcium per 100g), making it an excellent source of calcium supplementation apart from milk. In a soup rich in vitamin D, the absorption rate of calcium can be significantly increased, achieving two benefits at once. However, due to the high purine content in this soup, it is not suitable for individuals with elevated uric acid levels.
Children's Brain-Boosting Foods
Fish
Ancient Chinese people said, "The taste of fish is the taste of all tastes. After eating fish, all other tastes become tasteless." Fish is rich in globulin, albumin, phosphorus-containing nucleoproteins, unsaturated fatty acids, iron, vitamin B12, and other nutrients necessary for the development of children's brains. Maternal and child experts believe that freshwater fish have lower levels of unsaturated fatty acids compared to marine fish. Additionally, freshwater fish farming areas in China are more polluted. Therefore, it is recommended that the ratio of children's consumption of freshwater fish to marine fish be 1:2.
Walnuts
Walnuts can nourish blood and marrow, strengthen the kidneys and brain, and are a great food for enhancing memory and comprehension. Walnuts are most suitable for individuals who use their brains excessively, such as white-collar women and children, as they tend to consume a lot of vital energy. Regular consumption of walnuts can nourish the brain, improve brain circulation, and enhance brain power. Parents can stew walnut porridge for their children or mix crushed walnuts with black sesame to make pies or dumplings for children to eat. Since walnuts are high in fat and not easily digestible, 3-4 large walnut kernels per day are sufficient for children aged 3-6.
Almonds
Almonds are not only nutrient-dense nuts but also rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, calcium, iron, and other minerals. In many cultures, almonds are a symbol of romance and health. Almonds have a balanced nutritional value, containing not only nutrients similar to animal proteins, such as proteins and fats, but also plant-specific components like dietary fiber. Large sweet almonds have the functions of nourishing the heart, improving vision, and enhancing intelligence. Regular consumption can make children smarter. Peeled almonds can be soaked with peanuts and soybeans, and then made into almond peanut soy milk using a soy milk machine, which is beneficial for children's absorption.
Longan Meat
Longan, also known as "guìyuán" in Chinese, has the effects of nourishing blood and calming the mind. Long-term consumption can improve children's forgetfulness and have the effects of strengthening the heart and enhancing intelligence. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that longan is an excellent fruit for nourishing the spleen and enhancing intelligence. However, longan meat is hot and humid. Whether it is fresh longan or dried longan, it is best to consume it a maximum of three times a week. Excessive consumption can lead to symptoms such as constipation in children.
Honey
Honey has high nutritional value. Through modern medical clinical applications, taking honey can promote digestion and absorption, increase appetite, calm and help sleep, and improve the body's immune system. It has a positive effect on promoting the growth and development of infants and young children. Honey contains various nutrients required for the growth and development of infants and young children, including various intelligence-enhancing components. It can be consumed by mixing it with warm water and is effective in treating constipation in children. It is best to consume it in the morning. It can also be spread on bread or steamed buns.
