A Brain Boost

Developing a Child's Mind Through Food

By Donna Smith

Jon Gordon, author of Energy Addict: 101 Physical, Mental and Spiritual Ways to Energize Your Life (Perigee Books, 2004) and co-founder of PEP (Positive Energy Program), a nonprofit organization helping to develop positive and healthy kids, says children need to eat more omega-3s. "Omega-3s are the essential building blocks for a healthy brain," he says. Gordon says this is not surprising, considering the brain is 60 percent structural fat, and the brain's synaptic membranes and connections, where much of the communication traffic or neurological function happens, is composed of a large portion of essential fatty acids.

"The problem is that since most children are not eating enough fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish and eating too much processed foods, they are not consuming enough omega-3s," Gordon says. "And with an inadequate supply of omega-3s, the brain cells cannot communicate or work properly, which is very important if you are a child whose brain is trying to form new neural pathways during the learning process."

But it's not just about the right diet. It's also about eating the right quantity and quality of food, and at the right time of day, Graimes says. "Research has found that eating breakfast is the best way to get brain cells fired up, improving concentration and mental clarity," she says. "Children who eat a decent breakfast perform better at school, especially in classes that involve numeracy, problem solving and language skills."

"Our mothers were right when they said that breakfast was the most important part of the day," says Ann Cooper, former executive chef and director of wellness and nutrition at The Ross School in East Hampton, N.Y., and author of Bitter Harvest: A Chef's Perspective on the Hidden Dangers in the Foods We Eat and What You Can Do About It

Want to see more?

• Brain Nutrients: An Excerpt from Brain Food for Kids
• Awesome Omegas: The Importance of DHA for Mom and Baby
• Breakfast and Lunch on the Go: Kick the Day off Strong and Keep Going All Day Long
• Check out our Article Library.
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