What does the baby’s brain need?
At this time, the baby’s brain is actively developing. And we have a chance to influence his emotions and intelligence right now with the help of food. Here are some foods that will be especially helpful:
Fish
There is convincing evidence that eating fish during pregnancy contributes to the neurocognitive development of the child. It protects him from forgetfulness and from depression in the future. Two components of fish contribute to producing these benefits: omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and iodine. Moreover, omega-3 can affect gene expression and, for example, disable the baby’s genetic options that led to depression for his mother so he will not inherit a tendency to depression [1]. Iodine regulates the development of the nervous system, and the emotional balance or nervousness of the person who will be born can be affected by this microelement.
Green leafy vegetables
You already know that the folates contained in leafy greens are necessary in preparation for pregnancy and in the first trimester because they affect the formation of the neural tube. But, in the later stages, large quantities of folates should be present in the diet: The development of speech skills in children by the age of two is influenced by their level of folates in the last trimester of pregnancy [2].
Numerous studies have confirmed that the availability of folic acid for a long time after the closure of the neural tube stimulates the development of spatial thinking and memory in a growing brain [3].
Beef liver and chicken eggs
Beef liver and chicken eggs are the main sources of choline. Two eggs cover half the daily requirement for this substance. But later in pregnancy, choline works in tandem with folates and to contribute to the development of visual-spatial and auditory memory of the child [3]. The better you feed the baby now, the easier it will be for him to study at school later.
