Nutrition For Your Baby’S Intelligence

It is justified that a pregnant woman would want to include foods in her diet that will help her child’s intelligence while in the womb. Though, to understand how to achieve this, a mother needs to know the difference between brain development and intelligence, as the former is what leads to the latter. It is only during the third trimester that an unborn child is able to register little memories, more commonly in the form of sounds. The right kind of nutrition will get your baby’s brain to adapt to its surroundings to the best of its ability.

1. Natural fats –

Considering 60%-70% of the brain is made up of fat, it is important to consume plenty of the same in your diet. Though, a mother needs to remember that this is not just any fat, omega 6 fatty acids and omega 3 fatty acids to be specific. Where can you get these? The former can be found in oils like sunflower and sesame, which are commonly used in Indian households, while walnuts, salmon and flax seeds are very convenient options for the latter.

2. Folate and folic acid (Vitamin B9)-

Foods rich in folic acid or folate need to be incorporated into your everyday menu. The nutrient helps ensure your child does not face the risk of birth defects. Spinach and other leafy veggies, broccoli, citrus fruits, lentils are the way to go to achieve this.

3. Iron –

It is important for the mother to take care that she does not become anemic during her pregnancy, as this can result in low birth weight, which leads to delayed cognitive development. Red meat and pork are a great way to ensure good iron intake. For vegetarians, beans, spinach and dry fruits need to be consumed on a regular basis.

The above nutrients are a must for every mother who wants keep any threat to her baby’s mental health at bay. It is also crucial to remember that, like most things, too much of anything is not good. Be sure to consult with your doctor about how much your body requires. The better your child’s brain develops, the surer you can be of their intelligence. That being said, the above is not an exhaustive list of what is required for your child’s good health, but just their mental health.