List of foods that suppress the intelligence of children
Nutrition is one of the determining factors in a child's development. If you provide a healthy and balanced diet, your baby's growth and development can be optimal.
On the other hand, if the mother provides only nourishing but not nutritious food, the child is more at risk of developing developmental disorders.
In fact, there are also some foods that can lead to improper development of children's intelligence!
Based on Dr. Atika, food can affect the intelligence of the brain and the development of the child. Because in order to be able to grow and develop, the brain needs a number of nutrients.
“It is better if all types of nutrition can be obtained by children in balanced amounts, whether carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals,” said Dr. Atika.
There are also several nutritional supplements that are thought to reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment in children. Some of these nutritional supplements such as carotenoids, vitamin C and vitamin B6.
“Probably because of its antioxidant properties. In addition, it has also been studied that the consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol in sufficient quantities can prevent mild cognitive impairment, ”the doctor explained. Atika.
Foods that slow down the development of intelligence in children
So, what foods delay a child's intelligence? Here are some of them:
1. Fast food
Fast food, also known as junk food, is high in trans fats. These compounds have been shown to impair health and affect memory.
In addition, fast food can also reduce the body's production of serotonin, which plays a role in mood management, including preventing depression.
Fast food can also raise bad cholesterol (LDL), which has been strongly linked to the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
“Studies have found evidence that consuming too many foods high in fat and sugar can cause brain dysfunction associated with learning and memory,” the doctor said. Atika.
According to research done by Brown University in the US, eating too much junk food can make it harder for brain cells to respond to insulin.
A high supply of insulin can make it difficult for the brain to respond to the hormone. This causes you to experience limitations in thinking, even creating new memories or hallucinations.
2. Foods and drinks with caffeine
Excessive caffeine intake in children can cause anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, hyperactivity, headaches, and indigestion.
All these complaints are harmful to the mental development and health of children. Caffeine is a substance found naturally in chocolate, tea, and coffee.
3. Foods high in sugar
Foods that are sugary or high in sugar are included in the list of foods that can harm a child's brain development.
In fact, excessive consumption of foods high in sugar can cause children to become hyperactive and affect their appetite.
Sweet foods can also cause stomach upset and weaken the immune system. Therefore, you should not give your child too much candy, ice cream and other sugary foods.
4. Products containing artificial colors
Food for children is usually made in a wide variety of colors. This is done in order to draw the attention of the child to food.
Unfortunately, many fraudulent manufacturers use artificial dyes in their products.
The artificial coloring that children consume has been linked to a number of cognitive problems, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, hyperactivity, and headaches.
5. Instant noodles
Instant noodles are only satisfying, but do not have enough nutrition for the growth and development of children.
Too often, eating instant noodles has even been linked to mood swings and behavioral disorders in children.
6. Carbonated drinks
Giving soft drinks to children can slow down the growth of their teeth. In addition, soft drinks can also damage a child's brain.
In addition to soft drinks, you should also avoid giving your child packaged drinks such as juice. This is because these packaged drinks are high in sugar and not made from real fruit.