Brain Health: Nutrients for Thriving Children

​BORN TO RUN ON FAT        
           Food is one of the major players in brain development. From an early age, children can make the connection between nourishing, healthy food and feeling good. As parents, we see these positive feelings reflected in their behavior, social interactions, and their cognitive skills as they develop.
            From ages 3 to 8, children’s brain tissue uses twice as much energy as adult brain tissue. One half of the calories eaten by a 5-year-old go to power the brain.
            So, what kind of nutrients does the brain need to develop and to fuel an active, growing child?  Fats. The brain is primarily made of fatty acids. The body uses fats to build nerve tissue in the brain and to build hormones. Fat also provides a consistent, slow-burning source of fuel for the body.
            Some examples of high quality, natural fats are organic or grass-fed butter, extra virgin olive oil, unrefined organic coconut oil, pastured egg yolks, organic avocado, wild salmon, full-fat organic milk and dairy products, and raw nuts. 

​“Children need to eat foods that will give them only natural fats, and they need to have enough of their caloric intake as fat so that they grow properly, don’t become ill, and are happy and active.” 
-Mary G. Enig, Ph.D.