Types of food that can increase IQ levels
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2014 19:19 PM

Many parents know that physical exercise or playing instruments can help to increase their child's IQ. However, few realize that certain types of food can help optimize brain function as well. A balanced diet gives children the nutrition they need to develop a healthy and lightning-fast mind. Here are a few foods to help boost IQ scores:

Omega 3 fatty acids
Studies show that consuming omega-3 fatty acids on a regular basis actually increases the volume of nerve tissue in the brain. Additionally, omega-3s help optimize brain functions like cognition and memory. You can find great sources of omega-3 fatty acids in different kinds of fish protein, including wild salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, tuna, pollock and catfish. However, avoid eating shark, swordfish or tilefish?, as these may have elevated levels of mercury. Other excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed oil, chia seeds, radishes, butternuts, walnuts, basil, oregano and cloves.

Vitamin B
The entire roster of B vitamins, which includes B6, B9 and B12, help improve memory and mood by facilitating the production of nerve cells and replenishing the health of neurotransmitters. B vitamins also play a key role in metabolism, helping the body convert food into energy and regulating the production of red blood cells. Research shows that people who lack B vitamins in their bodies experience greater mental decline. Excellent sources of B vitamins include milk, liver, eggs, peanuts, fortified cereals, poultry and bananas.

Antioxidants
A wide variety of naturally antioxidant-rich foods exist, and you can find them at your local grocery store or fresh produce market. People who eat food rich in antioxidants experience improvements in cognition and problem solving. Researchers believe powerful antioxidants in foods like blueberries, cranberries, red kidney beans and artichokes reduce the oxidizing effect of free radicals in the bloodstream, which allows cells to function at optimal levels. Researchers studied the effects of blueberries on the brains of lab rats and discovered that those that had a steady diet of blueberries also had higher dopamine levels. Dopamine is an essential neurotransmitter that enables efficient memory and increased attention spans.

Ginseng
In ancient times, people used this root as a remedy for many ailments. Today, researchers know that ginseng improves a variety of brain functions, including mental stimulation, memory and cognition. Ginseng also protects the brain from certain types of toxins that might hinder IQ levels.