San Diego Nutrition and Health

This evening I was reading about brain foods, foods that nourish the brain and help us think better and feel better.  We can all use a little of that right?  Well, as I was reading I ran across an interesting finding as to how pregnant and lactating women can help their babies have healthier brain development.  A baby’s brain grows most rapidly when it is in the womb and then after the baby is born, the brain continues to grow.  By the time the baby is celebrating her first birthday, her brain has tripled in size. 

According to the research, one of the best ways a mother can help her baby have healthy brain development  is by supplementing her diet with Omega 3 fatty acids.  The two best sources for these fatty acids are fish and flax oil.  The recommended amount is 1 Tablespoon of flax oil a day or 4 ounces of tuna or salmon three times a week. 

Even if you are not pregnant or lactating, the same recommendation of adding flax oil or fish to your diet is important for your own brain-building development. 

Flax oil is great in smoothies or drizzled over a salad.  You could get a double dose of Omega 3’s by crumbling some tuna on a salad and then drizzling flax oil.  Then, sit back and let your brain reap all the benefits!