By Lewis
Homeschooling a teen can be a lot to consider. Creating the ideal environment for your student to learn in is essential. However, the food and snacks they consume throughout the day are equally as vital. Assuring your teen is ready for a full day of learning can start by ensuring their brain is properly fueled and ready. Eating a variety of healthy foods contributes to healthy brain development.
Promote Their Brain with Flavonoids
Flavonoids are a natural substance found in many fruits and vegetables. Studies have shown that certain flavonoids can help promote positive brain health. Many greens superfood powder options come with these nutrients already added in. Oranges and other citrus fruits are also naturally rich in some of these essential flavonoids.
Before major exams and state testing, some schools offer orange juice to test takers. Studies have shown that orange juice improves memory and test-taking performance. Your homeschooled teen could also benefit from a snack or drink enhanced with these flavonoids. Make sure they have these options available before their next test or study time.
Sharpen Their Mind with Nuts
The next time you are in the snack aisle, make sure to grab some nuts. Aside from being packed with healthy fats, proteins, and nutrients, eating nuts may help improve overall mental health. Various studies have shown increased reaction time, cognitive function, and interpretation of information. A handful of nuts might be that perfect midday snack to help keep your homeschooled teen focused and sharp for the rest of class.
Nurture Their Brain with Eggs
There are a lot of benefits packed into eggs, making a solid case for them to be a part of a student’s daily diet. Eggs are loaded with various essential vitamins and nutrients like vitamin B12 and selenium. However, this is only true for the whole egg. Students cannot just consume the egg whites if they want to reap the full benefits.
Studies have noted several improved brain and vision improvements associated with consuming eggs. Adding eggs to a diet also improved short-term memory, coordination, and cognition. An egg at breakfast or during the day could help your student in a number of ways. Making the perfect scrambled egg could make breakfast the most important and enjoyable meal of your teen’s day.
Grow Their Mind with Berries
As fruits, another great source of flavonoids are strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Many berries contain a specific flavonoid called anthocyanin, which is believed to promote blood flow to the brain. Increased blood flow leads to increased nerve cell production and function, and overall mental performance. A refreshing berry smoothie could be a delicious and nutritious option to fuel your student through the school day.
Expand Their Brain with Fish
An alternative choice to provide your homeschooled teen with vitamin B12 and selenium is fish. Fish is another great option to include in a student’s diet, as they are also loaded with Omega-3s. These are essential fats and have been shown to increase brain health and slow mental decline. Anyone looking to keep their mind sharp should ensure they add some fish to their plates.
Enhance Their Mind with Dark Chocolate
Cocoa is one of the richest foods in flavonoid content, making dark chocolate another healthy brain food option that can promote your child’s mental health throughout the school day. Studies have shown that consuming dark chocolate improves cognitive performance and memory. It has also demonstrated the ability to reduce mental fatigue. Provide your homeschooled teen with a tasty dark chocolate-infused treat to help them push through with their daily assignments.
Education can be a challenging task. While every student learns in their own unique way, you can ensure that no matter what method works best for your student, their brain is ready. Healthy brain food can be a no-brainer with the proper guidance and knowledge. Make sure your homeschooled teen has the best options available for their growing minds the next time they reach for a snack.
Here is an infographic that we put together to help you remember…
