BRAIN FOOD FOR TYKES

Adapted from Today Online News Alert.

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Protein, vitamins Band C, and iron canhelp junior learn better

With a tinge of envy, you wonder why the kid next door always seems to get
better grades in school than your child.

One of the secrets to his academic success may lie in his diet.

According to paediatric and nutrition experts who spoke to Today, certain
foods can help children build better brains, focus and learn better at
school.

"Like the rest of the body, the brain needs food to function. And what you
eat has an effect on your brain's chemistry," said Dr Ang Poon Liat, a
senior consultant paediatrician at Paediatric Centre, a specialist
practice group by Healthway Medical. He will talk about brain food for
children at the Raising Smart Kids seminar held at Marina Mandarin Hotel
this Saturday.

In particular, breakfast is critical to revving up young brains for
learning, concentration and creative thinking in school.

Ms Lyvia Lai, a nutritionist at Food and Nutrition Specialists, explained
that breakfast replenishes the brain's blood sugar levels, which in turn,
improves mental performance.

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A child who skips it may
perform poorly in tasks that require concentration," she said.

But not just any breakfast food can boost brain power. "A child who is fed
only carbohydrates for breakfast may have energy to do simple work in
school, but will be unable to do more 'serious' work or think properly,"
said Dr Ang.

"And if the child drinks only fizzy drinks before he goes to school, he
may behave like a 70-year-old man in class because his brain isn't getting
proper nutrients for it to work properly."

The trick to fuelling the brain, according to Dr Ang, is to include "some
protein" foods such as beans, eggs, fish and meat in each meal.

The Health Promotion Board recommends that children between the agesof 3
to 6, and 7 to 18 years have one and two servings of meat or meat
alternatives, respectively, daily.

"Protein is needed to jump start the brain's neurotransmitters, which
drives creative thinking, memory, focus and concentration," explained Dr
Ang.

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transfer messages around nerve cells
in the brain.

Other "brain food" which aids healthy brain development includes those
that contain B vitamins (found in whole grains, cereals, eggs and dairy
products), Vitamin C (in fruit and vegetables) and iron (in red meat,
green leafy vegetables and peas).

And don't cut all fats from your child's diet either, as "fats and
cholesterol are needed for proper brain development and function",
according to Ms Lai.

Ultimately, a healthy, well-balanced diet helps your child's brain
development, said Ms Lai.

"Offering a variety of foods from different food groups for your child's
main meals ensures that he or she obtains the nutrients needed for optimal
brain development," she added.