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The brain is experiencing rapid growth in content. In fact, early formation of fetal brain can determine the growth and development of the brain next child. To help the growth and development of the baby's brain in the womb, you need a lot of nutrients. Therefore, when pregnant, you should increase the consumption of the following kinds of foods to encourage the development of infant brain in the womb.
1. Spinach
Spinach is one of the green vegetables that you are easy to get. Cheap price but very big benefits. Spinach contains folic acid which is an essential nutrient for pregnant women. Why is it important? Folic acid is very necessary to help the formation of early brain and spinal cord of infants, assisting in the production of new DNA, and to regulate cellular metabolism. In addition, folic acid can also act as an antioxidant that can protect the tissues Your baby's brain from damage.
Folic acid deficiency in pregnancy can increase your baby's risk of birth defects. You are advised to adequately meet the needs of folic acid during pregnancy, even before becoming pregnant. In addition to spinach, you can get folic acid from other green vegetables, such as kale, broccoli, green mustard, lettuce, etc.
2. Meat
Many people think meat is less good because it can cause obesity, increase cholesterol, and other negative effects. But wait first, do not be too negative to think about meat because the meat actually contains a lot of nutrients, such as iron and zinc. Iron and zinc are also nutrients needed to improve the growth and development of the baby's brain in the womb.
Iron is influential in the production of compounds in the brain and formation of myelin (to accelerate inter-nerve communication in the brain). In addition, iron can also support oxygen transport from mother to infant in the womb. Iron deficiency can lead to impaired child mental development. Meanwhile, zinc is needed to help the formation of cells and tissues and is very important to build up the structure of the brain.
You are advised to eat meat (beef, chicken, or duck meat) at least one or two portions a day to obtain the essential nutrients contained therein. To avoid the negative effects of meat, you should choose lean meat.
3. Egg
Many of us just know the egg as one source of protein. However, more than that actually eggs also contain many important nutrients, such as iron and choline. Both of these nutrients are essential for the growth and development of baby's brain in the uterus. The benefits of iron for the child's brain have been described above. Whereas, choline is beneficial in assisting the development of memory and child learning ability for life. Choline can you get in egg yolks. 1 piece of boiled egg can contain choline as much as 113 mg, while your choline needs per day is 450 mg.
4. Fruit
Fresh fruits contain abundant essential vitamins and minerals. Call it orange, blueberry, pomegranate, papaya, mango, guava, banana, grape, and Apple.
However, among all of these, blueberries are considered the best. Because blueberries are rich in antioxidants that can ward off free radicals.
As information, the advantages of free radicals are related to brain damage and thereby inhibit brain development in newborns.
5. Fish and Seafood
Iodine and omega-3 fatty acids are believed to play a role in keeping the brain functioning healthy. Both are crucial in the development of baby's emotional intelligence.
A study on 2013 found that proper iodine supplements during pregnancy managed to remove most of the risk of mental disorders.
Another study on 2010 found an important role of omega-3 fatty acids in brain development in the fetus.
Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna can be consumed in a moderate amount. However, you need to first consult a doctor because some of the fish are called mercury-containing and certain harmful substances.
Milk and dairy products
We have known that milk and dairy products contain a lot of calcium needed for the growth of children's bones and teeth in the womb. In addition, it turns out that milk and dairy products also contain iodine. Iodine is also important for the development of brain and mental babies in the womb. WHO has warned that iodine deficiency during pregnancy can lead to mental delay problems.
You can get iodine from milk and yogurt, especially the Greek yogurt. In 150 grams of Greek yogurt, you can get iodine as much as 50-100 mcg. Your iodine needs while pregnant is 220 mcg.
6. Nuts
Beans can be a snack during pregnancy. In addition to rich in proteins, niacin, omega-3 fatty acids, and folic acid, nuts are also a good source for vitamin E. Vitamin E is necessary to support the function of DHA and also to protect infant brain cell membranes in the womb. Legumes also contain vitamin B6 which can help normal brain function because it can help communication among brain cells.
7. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are also required for the development of infant brain in the womb. This betakaroten will be transformed into vitamin A by the body and serves to help the development of the baby's central nervous system. In addition to Yam, other foods that also include beta carotene are carrots, kale, spinach, green mustard, pumpkin, and others.