20 Foods for Young Pregnant Women to Give Birth to Smart Children

Every parent must have a desire for their child to grow up smart. It’s no wonder that many prospective parents begin to prepare for pregnancy carefully so they can give birth to smart children.

One thing that is worth trying is consuming certain foods that are believed to make children smart, Mother. Some foods are believed to contain important nutrients that can help brain development. Mothers can start consuming it from a young pregnancy.

So what foods can be consumed during pregnancy and can make children smart?

Food for young pregnant women to give birth to smart children

Launching from various sources, here are 20 foods for young pregnant women to give birth to smart children:

1. Green vegetables

Green vegetables are great for consumption during pregnancy, and early pregnancy is no exception. Green vegetables such as spinach and kale contain folic acid.

“Eating green leafy vegetables and certain nuts is very important because they can help keep the fetal brain protected from tissue damage. Folic acid in green vegetables can also reduce the risk of neural tube defects, cleft lip and heart defects in the fetus,” said the obstetrician. and gynecology, Dr. Sabiha Anjum, reported Parenting Firstcry.

2. Fish

Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA. The content in this fish can help the development of the baby’s brain in the womb.

Research from Harvard Medical School found that pregnant women who consumed large amounts of fish during their second trimester had higher mental development test scores at 6 months of age. Please note, omega-3 is found in many brain cell membranes, so it can affect brain function.

Consumption of fish during pregnancy is highly recommended. But, you need to be observant in choosing the fish you eat.

Avoid fish that contain high mercury because it is dangerous for fetal development. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), fish containing high levels of mercury include tilefish, king mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, bigeye tuna, and swordfish.

3. Blueberry

Blueberries are high in antioxidants, which can help your baby’s cognitive development. Blueberries are also rich in folic acid and vitamin C.

Folic acid is good for brain development, while vitamin C can maintain endurance. Some fruit alternatives besides blueberries that are also good for the fetus are strawberries, raspberries, and tomatoes.

4. Food sources of protein

Food sources of protein are also needed to support the development of the fetal brain, Mother. During pregnancy, the body needs a lot of protein to build cells and produce hormones for fetal growth.

This protein source can be obtained from animal protein food sources, such as meat, poultry, and eggs. Meanwhile, vegetable protein can be obtained from tempeh and tofu.

Other food sources that can help the development of the fetal brain are nuts and seeds. This type of food is rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, protein, folic acid, and zinc.

5. Counts

Eggs contain choline and DHA, which are omega-3 fatty acids. These two egg contents are important nutrients to support the health of the body and the development of the fetal brain.

Eggs are also a source of animal protein, mother. Reported Healthline, one whole egg contains at least 147 milligrams (mg) of choline. Pregnant women are advised to meet choline intake of around 450 mg per day for fetal brain development.

6. Avocado

Avocados contain a lot of monounsaturated fatty acids. This fruit is also high in fiber, vitamins B, C, E, K, and potassium.

Healthy fat content as well as high folic acid and potassium in avocados are also needed during pregnancy. The fat in avocados can help build skin, brain and tissue in the fetus. While folic acid can prevent neural tube defects, developmental abnormalities of the brain and spine, such as spina bifida.

7. Almonds

Almonds are rich in healthy fats, magnesium, vitamin E and protein. The content of omega-3 fatty acids in almonds can support the development of the fetal brain.

“Consuming a handful of almonds every day is recommended to give birth to smart children from birth. Eating these nuts during pregnancy can also help babies develop their intelligence,” said Anjum.

8. Greek yogurt

Protein-rich foods are needed to form healthy nerve cells in the mother’s womb for the baby’s cognitive development. Probiotic foods such as Greek yogurt are one way you can help you achieve this goal.

Greek yogurt contains calcium for baby’s bone development. This Greek yogurt is also a source of iodine, which can help reduce or prevent the chances of babies being born with low birth weight.

9. Pasteurized cheese

Cheese is safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as the product is pasteurized and stored properly. Cheese is a dairy product that contains nutrients to support the development of the baby’s brain, Mother.

The protein in cheese is important for the growth of tissues, such as skin, hair, muscles and blood volume. During pregnancy, you need at least 60 to 100 grams of protein every day, depending on your weight, physical activity and gestational age.

“It’s important to get enough protein during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester and when. At this time, the fetus is growing rapidly and growing, the mother needs to provide adequate protein intake for the fetus to develop properly,” said Dietitian Erin Hinga, MS, RD quoted from Baby Center.

10. Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds contain nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, iron, and copper. All the minerals contained in pumpkin seeds can optimize the health of the brain and nervous system of the fetus, Mother.

The mineral content also plays a role in improving the baby’s memory and thinking ability at birth. Apart from minerals, pumpkin seeds are also rich in antioxidants which can prevent free radicals.

11. Nuts

Nuts are high in iron which functions to transport oxygen to the nerve cells in the baby’s brain. Nuts also contain zinc, protein, choline, and folic acid. All of these nutrients are very instrumental in giving birth to smart children.

Some types of nuts, such as soybeans, also contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.

12. Pasteurized Milk

Milk contains iron and calcium. The iron content in milk can help develop healthy cognitive function in infants, and support fetal brain development.

Some of the milk for pregnant women sold in the market is equipped with DHA to choline. Mothers can consume it if food intake cannot meet nutritional needs during pregnancy.

13. Beetroot

Beets contain lots of manganese, potassium, and vitamin C. This red fruit is also a source of folic acid, Mother. About 136 grams of raw beets contain at least 148 mcg of folic acid.

This fruit is also a source of iron which can reduce the risk of anemia and help the development of the fetal brain. This iron content can improve blood circulation in the brain and improve its performance.

14. Broccoli

Broccoli is a type of vegetable that is highly recommended for pregnant women. These vegetables are high in folic acid which can prevent defects in the fetus and help brain development.

Broccoli also contains vitamin C which can help the body absorb iron very well. The ingredients in this vegetable are vitamins K and A.

15. Oatmeal

Oatmeal can be consumed in the morning when you are pregnant. These whole grains can provide health benefits for the body and fetal development.

The content of protein and vitamin B6 plays a role in the development of the fetal brain. In addition, oatmeal also contains folic acid and iron.

16. Sweet potato

Sweet potatoes contain beta carotene, which is an antioxidant compound that can be converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is important for baby’s development, starting from the development of the baby’s eyes, bones, skin and brain.

Sweet potatoes are also a good source of folic acid. As is known, folic acid is most needed for fetal brain development.

17. Dark chocolate

Pregnant women can consume dark chocolate in moderation. Dark chocolate is claimed to help increase blood flow to both the mother and fetus. Dark chocolate is also high in antioxidants, which can protect your baby’s growing tissues and membranes.

18. Dried fruit

Dried fruit such as apricots and plums can be consumed during young pregnancy to give birth to smart children. Both of these fruits are high in B-complex vitamins, which are necessary for the repair of DNA or RNA, as well as the synthesis of neurochemicals and signaling molecules. Both of these fruits can also protect brain cell membranes from harm.

19. Wheat

Oats contain B complex vitamins which play an important role in the development of the baby’s brain. This vitamin can help produce aspects of brain function, including energy production, to the synthesis/repair of DNA or RNA.

Wheat is also considered a powerful antioxidant that can protect the brain. Some good whole grain choices for pregnant women are whole wheat, brown rice, and oats.

20. Vitamin prenatal

Prenatal vitamins are one of the options for fulfilling nutrition during pregnancy. Mothers can take prenatal vitamins according to a doctor’s prescription.

Most prenatal vitamins contain complete vitamins and minerals, including folic acid and iron which play a role in brain development. In addition, many prenatal vitamins are packed with omega-3s such as DHA and choline.

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(ank/pri)