Ruchi Verma
Kids grow up so fast and so do their food habits. As mothers, we make sure our kids consume a balanced diet as much as possible because nutrition ensures proper brain function. I always tell my kids that the brain is the reason for our existence and they should use it smartly.
The brain is the ultimate power
Both my kids are intelligent in studies which is a big relief to me. But a mother constantly reminds her kids not to take things lightly and be over-confident. During growing years, kids need to consume essential nutrients regularly for their optimal brain development. I try to add a combination of them to their regular diets but kids being kids, become fussy with time.
That’s when I researched about brain foods kids need. Nutrients and brain development and it’s functioning are directly related. The human brain requires all essential nutrients, including healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and water etc to form and maintain its structure & functioning. Therefore, adequate nutrition is essential for brain function and development.
However, micronutrients, such as iron, zinc, choline, iodine, folate, B12, and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) have been identified to be particularly relevant to cognitive development. (source)
Essential nutrients required for proper brain function and development
- Zinc – The food that has the most zinc, interestingly, is oysters – but it’s also found in many meats, fish, dairy products, and nuts.
- Iron – Meats, beans and lentils, fortified cereals and breads, and dark leafy vegetables are among the best sources of iron.
- Choline – Meat, dairy, and eggs have lots of choline, but so do many vegetables and other foods.
- Iodine – Seaweed is a great source of iodine, but we also get it from iodized salt, seafood, dairy products, and enriched grains.
- Vitamin D – This is the “sunshine vitamin,” and the best way to get it is to get outside. The flesh of fatty fish such as salmon has it, as does fish liver oil, and products fortified with it, such as fortified milk.
- Vitamin B6 – The best sources of vitamin B6 are liver and other organ meats, fish, potatoes and other starchy vegetables, and fruit (not citrus).
- Vitamin B12 – Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products, such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.
- Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids – An example is omega-3 fatty acids. These are most easily found in fatty fish and fish oils but can be found in some other oils, and many foods are also fortified with them. (source)
Well, after learning about brain foods, the real struggle remained the same: how to include them in my kid’s menu. Leave alone the food, my son hates to drink milk and often convinces his sister to do the same. But I have my own way of making things look easier.
Complan supports brain development and it’s functioning
My simple mantra to make sure that kids get enough nutrition so they can grow healthy. I tell my kids that many times your food is interesting and the other times, eat it to feed your brain.
My son doesn’t drink plain milk so I tried different milk powders to add to his milk. Finally, he decided on Complan, simply for 2 reasons.
- It is easily mixed in a glass of warm milk without leaving chocolate chunks in the glass.
- Secondly, just half a spoon into a glass of milk makes it delicious.
Once he was convinced, I went to read more about Complan and how it has 34 vital nutrients including brain nutrients like iodine, iron, folic acid etc. It also support memory and concentration.
34 essential nutrients including milk protein
- Complan has 100 % milk protein and has 63% more protein than other nutrition drinks.
- It supports in 2x faster growth.
- It has 34 essential nutrients supporting kid’s growth, brain development and it’s functioning etc. I am satisfied when my kids drink milk along with their balanced meals for the day. Even my daughter enjoys Complan in her milk as she’s a chocolate lover.
What’s your milk story at your home?
© Ruchie Verma.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views of solely the blogger. This is a part of the public awareness initiative supported by Complan. This article is an advisory piece. Before you manipulate your diet habit and health-related changes kindly consult a medical practitioner or nutritionist. The details mentioned in the post are true to the author’s knowledge and for information purposes ONLY. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.
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It is like a perfect balance today – food, fruits, and some nutritional supplements in the form of healthy drinks. I remember every single day of having complan during my childhood days. It was like a 90s thing 🙂
Certainly, the brain needs to function at its optimum for us to lead a healthy life. It’s good to know about all the vitamins and their uses. It’s also good that you are giving these in the right measure to your child via Complan. It certainly has a good flavour, especially the chocolate one.
Growing children need a balanced diet including all major vitamins and micronutrients. These are absolutely critical for the development of their brains and overall growth. Complan is something that simplifies things as it contains all necessary nutrients and is quick to prepare and children also love it.
I agree grow kids require balanced healthy diet and complan van definitely fulfill that need. O too was a complan gal and given it to my kids too.
I agree growing kids require balanced healthy diet and complan can definitely fulfill that need. I too was a complan gal and given it to my kids too.
Somehow I am not a believer in supplements for kids, especially. We never had bourn-vita or complan as kids. Nor did I give the habit to my kids. Complan sounds better than most others in the market though.A healthy diet should be taken by all kids in general.
My kids are both extremely fuasy when it comes to milk and have given me quite a grief for that. Complan is a trusted brand and is a great option to ensure that they get their daily nutrition and keep them energetic for their activities.
Nutrition that aids on brain development os surely first in the list. As a parent if we can fulfill most of the nourishment requirements from Complan then it’s like major task accomplished.
Kids need balanced nutrition that not only supports healthy growth but also good overall brain development. Complan is a complete nutrition offering option for kids.
This is a great find! I worry about how to ensure everyone gets enough nutrition and you have found an easy answer for me! Thanks Ruchi.
As a mom, I totally get the struggle to keep kids’ diets balanced!
It’s amazing how much brain development relies on proper nutrition!
A balanced diet with all the major vitamins and micronutrients is vital for growing children specially for their physical growth and brain development. Complan makes things easier because it’s easy to prepare, full of all the nutrients you need, and kids love it.
I’ve been adding more zinc and iron to my kids’ meals after reading this.
Complan has been a game-changer for my kids’ milk too!
Who knew iodine from seaweed could be so important for brain function?
Great tips on essential nutrients for cognitive development!
I love the idea of making food fun and educational for kids!
Vitamin D is so crucial, especially since kids don’t play outside as much these days.
Thanks for breaking down which foods are rich in key nutrients!
I struggle with a picky eater too—trying Complan sounds like a good solution.
A healthy and a well balanced diet is a must for kids and Complan is doing a perfect job in providing that to them. My kids love drinking milk and a spoonful of Complan is all I need to make the meal wholesome and complete.