The brain’s evolution took place over millions of years and our early ancestors ate 98% vegetarian. What kids eat affects their brain. Plant food provides brain essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, good carbohydrates, good fats, and lean protein for today’s dementia free centenarians. The dietary fiber in vegetables, as well as in grains, legumes, and berries, is critical for the health of our guts and brains at every meal.
Kids love avocado toast, which is chockfull of heart and brain healthy fats with organic whole grain bread. Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as organic walnuts, kiwi fruit, flaxseeds, chia seeds, coconut oil, and peanut butter, improve brain health. Nuts, seeds, and organic cold pressed extra virgin olive oil are healthy fats rich in antioxidants. However, trans fats found in all sorts of packaged processed foods (and in fast foods, snacks, and fried foods) contain poisons, chemicals, artificial ingredients and is a type of fat that is harmful and should be eliminated from the diet.
Many processed “health”, “natural”, or “vegan” foods are filled with too much sugar, salt, and fat. Preparing a balanced diet of local, organic produce from the Farmers Market or the backyard garden, plus organic whole grains and beans can protect the brain and reduce the chance of developing mental disorders. When kids grow an organic veggie garden their brains are charged with healthy exercise, breathing fresh air, and communing with nature. Kids can get a powerful brain boost by growing their own colorful organic fruits and veggies and eating omega-3 rich foods.