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Foods for Baby Muscle & Brain Development

According to Science Daily, the human brain is a remarkable organ that contains between 50 and 100 billion nerve cells interacting with each other at any given time. In composition, the brain is around 60 percent fat, thus intake of lipids are necessary for brain development both in the womb and in early years of growth, particularly the first two. Muscle development is directly connected to proper nutrition and healthy brain function.

  1. Breast Milk

    • Mother's milk contains naturally occurring lipids that boost brain development affecting the first 15 years of life. According to the Franklin Institute, studies have shown that breast-fed infants have a higher IQ and cognitive ability, along with superior vision. Adequate amounts of quality protein in breast milk aid in muscle development and coordination. The longer breast milk is consumed, the better.

    Whole Milk

    • If desired, the transition from breast milk to cow's milk is typically done around 12 months old when the child's digestive system is able to process the more complex components. From ages one to two, only whole milk should be given for the maximum fat consumption the developing brain still needs. Don't overdo it though--according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, only around 16 ounces of whole milk per day is plenty. The additional protein in cow's milk is also ideal for building muscle and bone mass for physical growth.

    Solid Foods

    • Solid foods are introduced anywhere from four to seven months of age depending on the child. By the time the child is two, he should be eating a wide variety of foods to ensure proper nutrients, including vitamins and minerals needed for optimal brain and physical development. All meats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables and dairy can be consumed in a form the toddler can handle, such as ready-made jar foods and soft finger foods. Providing children with balanced nutrition early on is crucial to jump starting a healthy mind-body relationship that will continue on for a lifetime.

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