Introduction: All parents hope to have a smart child. However, in addition to good genes, the right foods can further enhance a child's intelligence. Here are some brain-boosting foods recommended by the editor.
For more brain-boosting recipes, check out our special feature: Brain-Boosting and Nourishing Dishes
1. Walnuts
The kernel of walnuts is rich in fat (mainly linoleic acid, which is essential for the human body), protein, and carbohydrates. In addition, it contains various minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, and magnesium, as well as vitamins A, B, C, and E. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that walnuts are sweet and warm in nature, and have effects such as replenishing qi and nourishing blood, tonifying the kidneys and securing essence, warming the lungs and promoting bowel movements, relieving coughs and reducing phlegm, moisturizing the skin and blackening hair, strengthening teeth and tonifying deficiency, strengthening muscles and bones, and providing nourishment and strength. They are an excellent food supplement for those with weak constitutions and neurasthenia.
2. Sesame
Sesame has a remarkable effect of nourishing the body and prolonging life. According to a report from a specialized research group in Japan, lignans extracted from sesame can inhibit the generation of cancer cells and suppress the formation of peroxides that cause aging in the body. This is the latest evidence for sesame's body-strengthening and anti-aging effects. In fact, as early as the Qing Dynasty, China's "Bencao Beiyao" gave a pertinent summary of sesame's unique body-strengthening effects: sesame tonifies lung qi, benefits the liver and kidneys, moistens the five organs, fills the essence, strengthens muscles and bones, improves hearing and vision, relieves hunger and thirst, and blackens hair and beard. Sesame is rich in protein, fat, and essential fatty acids like linolenic acid. In addition, its content of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B is relatively high, making it an inexpensive and excellent product for strengthening the body.
3. Apple
Apples are known as the "fruit of memory." They contain zinc, which promotes brain development, enhances memory, and strengthens neural connections in the brain. They also have a protective effect on the heart.
4. Longan
"Among foods, lychee is the most precious, but for nourishment, longan is the best." This is Li Shizhen's evaluation of longan and lychee. Longan is rich in nutrients. Analysis shows that its pulp contains abundant glucose, sucrose, tartaric acid, protein, fat, vitamins A, B, and other substances. On the other hand, longan is also a medicinal food with multiple functions. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that longan is warm in nature and sweet in taste, and has functions such as benefiting the heart and spleen, replenishing qi and blood, and calming the mind. It is a good tonic. The ancient pharmacopoeia "Shennong Ben Cao Jing" states that longan "calms the mind, strengthens the spirit, and connects with the divine." "Bencao Gangmu" says longan "stimulates the appetite, benefits the spleen, tonifies deficiency, and increases wisdom." Dizziness, insomnia, palpitations, emaciation, and post-illness or postpartum weakness are all within the scope of longan's主治 indications.
5. Soybeans
Soybeans mainly contain soybean globulin, which is a high-quality plant protein. Soybean oil is also rich in essential amino acids and phospholipids, with high nutritional value. It can enhance the function of cerebral blood vessels, inhibit the accumulation of cholesterol in the body, and prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.
6. Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic contain fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, and niacin, as well as various nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Both can increase the secretion of digestive juices in people, thereby improving appetite and digestive function. In addition, they can inhibit various fungal, bacterial, and protozoan infections, possessing the ability to kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and prevent and treat many diseases. Garlic, in particular, has a certain anti-cancer effect. Regular consumption of onions and garlic can not only lower blood lipids, blood sugar, and blood pressure, but also nourish the brain. Of course, the intake of onions and garlic should be moderate, as excessive consumption can be harmful rather than beneficial.
"Refuel" your brain, drive away fatigue, and fill yourself with vitality. Every day is infinitely wonderful!