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Raising ‘smart’ eaters
Updated On: 22 July, 2024 09:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita Paul
A recent study suggests that your child’s earliest meals could determine whether they are prone to cognitive impairments like dementia as adults. Here’s what you should feed your little ones
Unsweetened yogurt should be consumed regularly by children because it supports brain growth. Representation pics
Despite the recent efforts to spread awareness about the importance of feeding children a balanced and nutritious diet, statistics indicate that up to 50 per cent of children are described by their parents as being ‘picky eaters’. In that, these children refuse to eat vegetables or try new foods, and eat the same few foods on repeat. While many parents eventually relent hoping that their children will outgrow their food fusses and that this is only a phase, they may be doing their child more harm than good. A recent study titled National Survey of Health and Development, which observed 3,059 adults from their childhood, revealed that the overwhelming majority of those who had been raised on low-quality diets demonstrated low cognitive ability, predisposing them to dementia. On the other hand, children who had been fed a diet high in whole or less-processed plant-based foods, such as leafy greens, legumes, whole fruits and whole grains had much higher memory retention and information processing speed as adults. The researchers attribute this to the higher levels of antioxidants and mono and polyunsaturated fats that constituted the healthier diets, which support brain health by reducing stress within cells and improving blood flow to the brain.
Involving kids in meal preparation is a good way to spend quality time together, as well as get the children to respect the food they consume; (right) Krushika Thosani only feeds her nine-year-old when he is in a good mood and is willing to listen to her
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