Top Ten Brain Foods as Your Kids Head Back to School

As you gather the back-to-school supplies...here are some foods to stock up on that will keep your child's brain sharp for a long school day.

10. Peppers. They provide a large dose of Vitamin C. (And they're easy to pack for a lunch!)

9. Seeds. Chia seeds, flaxseeds, (and walnuts, too) help produce brain cell membranes and myelin, the chemical that coats nerve cells. They are easily added to yogurt and add a nice, chewy texture. They also have Chia Pods --similar to yogurt containers-- in the yogurt section of Shop Rite, and a chia drink, that are great!

8. Baked Potatoes. These provide a slow and steady energy source, since the carbs they contain break down more slowly than simple sugars. This steady level of sugar glucose in the blood keeps a steady flow of energy to the brain. And healthy levels of glucose help in the formation of memories!

7. Pumpkin seeds. These are a great source of iron, which helps keep your brain supplied with oxygen and aid in the production of neurotransmitters.

6. Eggs. They help in a number of important brain functions, including mood control, sensitivity to pain, and sleep.

5. Oysters. I don't know if I can get my boys to eat those, although I sure do like them. Oysters are high in zinc, which the brain needs to help nerve cells function and neurons to communicate with one another.

4. Beef. It provides the highest concentration of vitamin B-12 in foods we commonly eat, according to the USDA. Deficiency in B-12 can cause neurological disorders, mental disturbances and blood chemistry alterations.

3. Sunshine! It helps students' brains by allowing their skin to absorb and synthesize vitamin D. Vitamin D protects the region of the brain involved in the formation of memories. Vitamin D also affects the transport of glucose to the brain, which is important for brain energy.

2. Almonds. They contain a rich dose of vitamin E, which plays a role in cognition, including attention, memory, learning, and other mental functions. Vitamin E also protects against some of the effects of aging in the brain.

And the Number One Back to School Brain Food:

1. Iodized salt! Production of hormones in the thyroid depends on the element iodine. Don't go overboard with it, of course, but sprinkling a little iodized salt on roasted pumpkin seeds, baked potatoes, and other brain foods adds to their benefit. I used to go for the fancy sea salts at the store, but it turns out the good, old fashioned iodized salt is really important to have!!!