Babies are in a period of growth and development, so their need for nutritional value is very high. At this time, parents will selectively choose some foods to supplement their baby's nutrition. But some foods can affect the baby's intellectual development. Have you made the right choices?
Foods that Affect Baby's Intelligence
1. Preserved eggs
Preserved eggs are a favorite food for many babies and can also improve their appetite. However, preserved eggs containing lead are a concern. Prolonged consumption can potentially lead to lead poisoning and affect the baby's brain development.
2. Fried dough sticks and fried pastries
Many families prepare fried dough sticks and fried pastries for breakfast. However, these foods may contain lead. Consuming these foods can affect the baby's brain development and lead to decreased memory and thinking abilities. It is also best to avoid using aluminum utensils and pots, as they can also cause lead poisoning.
3. Pickled foods
Many people use leftover food to make pickled foods. However, during the pickling process, carcinogens are produced. These foods also contain peroxidized lipids, which can affect metabolic enzymes and damage brain development. This can easily lead to early brain aging or the onset of dementia.
4. Excessive consumption of tofu
Tofu contains a lot of high-quality plant protein, which is known to promote brain development and calcium supplementation. However, it is important not to overconsume tofu just because of these two benefits. If babies consume too much tofu, it can lead to excessive excretion of iron and iodine from the body, resulting in a loss of these two substances and ultimately affecting brain development.
Foods that Promote Baby's Brain Development
(1) Animal organs, such as brain, heart, liver, and kidneys, are rich in protein and lipids, which are essential nutrients for brain development.
(2) Soybeans and soy products are rich in high-quality plant protein. Soybean oil is also rich in various unsaturated fatty acids and phospholipids, which are beneficial for brain development.
(3) Vegetables, fruits, and walnuts are rich in vitamins A, B, C, E, etc. Especially, the fatty acids in walnuts are essential nutrients for brain cells. Regular consumption not only promotes brain development but also improves brain function and prevents nervous system disorders.
(4) Fish contains unsaturated fatty acids, calcium, iron, vitamin B12, and other substances, which are necessary nutrients for brain cell development.
Eating fish and foods rich in fish oil is very important for a baby's brain development, especially in the early stages.
(5) Milk contains the seven main nutrients for the brain, such as lactose, rich vitamins, and tryptophan, which play an important role in the formation and development of brain marrow and nerves.
Giving babies a nutritious breakfast on an empty stomach after a night's sleep is important for replenishing carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and trace elements, which are beneficial for brain health. The utilization rate of nutrients during this time is higher than in the other two meals.
