Study: The brain food that will make your kids smarter

This amazing brain food, when given to kids at least once a week, can make them smarter and sleep better, says this study!

If you’re just about to jot down your weekly grocery list, you might want to lessen the meat and add more of this amazing brain food!

A new study, published in the Scientific Reports journal, claims that kids who eat fish at least once a week have a higher IQ.

Observing over 500 children in China, the study’s researchers found that fish not only boosted children’s IQ, but also helped them sleep better. Based on interviews with the kids’ parents, they noted how kids aged 9 to 11 experienced less sleep issues.

These kids also boasted higher IQ scores by the time they reached the age of 12. Those who reported that they “always” ate fish scored 4.80 points higher than those who only ate fish “sometimes.”

Fish has long been touted as a “brain food,” but this study further cements this claim.

However, it’s also worth noting that other factors come into play when it comes to a child’s IQ. This includes parenting styles, home environment, school activities, and overall diet.

Though further research is needed to back the brain boosting benefits of fish, it’s encouraging to know that mums and dads have the power to boost their kid’s intelligence.

Fish is truly one delicious “brain food” the family can enjoy! (Image source: File photo)

Brain food for kids: Guidelines for parents

Fish is a good source of protein and “healthy” fat.

When choosing fish for kids, keep in mind that, though some are high in good ol’ omega-3s, others can have a high mercury content, which can cause brain and nerve damage in young kids.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against feeding young kids shark, swordfish, and tilefish, as these types of predatory fish may have a high mercury content.

Examples of fish that are low in mercury are: canned light tuna, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, salmon, cod, and catfish.

Brain food fish recipes to try!

“Introducing the taste early makes it more palatable,” Jennifer Pinot-Martin, one of the study’s researchers tells TLC. “It really has to be a concerted effort.”

Once your baby is six months old, they can be started on solids. This includes mashed fish. But you must first make sure that they don’t have any allergies to certain fish. Also, check the fish very carefully for bones as these can pose a chocking hazard.

Image source: File photo

Salmon eggy fried rice

Image source: Pinterest

This is no doubt a comfort food for adults and kids alike. Not only is it easy to whip up for dinner, it’s super delicious, too. You can find the full recipe here!

Fish cake fingers

Image source: Pinterest

Not only is this recipe delicious, you can make preparing it a bonding experience. It’s just perfect for parents and kids. You can find the full recipe here.

Easy fish pie

Image source: Pinterest

This potato-fish pie is buttery and cheesy. Best of all it can keep for more than one meal time! Find out how to whip this up here.

Hoisin mackerel pancakes

Image source: Pinterest

This sweet and savoury assemble-it-yourself dish is a treat for kids and kids at heart. You can find the full recipe here.

Chub and atlantic mackerel are low in mercury, while king mackerel has a high mercury content.

Do you have any go-to fish recipes for the whole family? Share them with us below!

sources: Forbes.com, TLC.com, Nature.com, Livestrong.com, BBC Good Food

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Written by

Ayu Idris

English