Foods for developing baby brain
Baby brain food: 7 foods to fuel brain development
If you’ve ever spent time with a toddler, you probably know they learn quickly and absorb new information like a sponge. But brain development begins long before a child can walk and talk.
Brain cells multiply at an astonishing rate as a baby develops in the womb. The brain continues to grow during infancy as motor functions such as balance and coordination develop. During the toddler years (ages 1 to 3), the brain increases cognitive ability — how quickly a child can interpret and relay information to perform complex tasks.
During these periods of peak growth, nutrition plays an important role. For toddlers, not getting the right nutrients can have a detrimental impact on cognitive development — affecting memory, attention and academic ability later in life.
Key nutrients for baby brain development
While all nutrients are important for brain growth and functioning, some play a bigger role in early brain development than others. The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition recommends certain nutrients for healthy brain development in toddlers:
- Choline
- Folate
- Iodine
- Iron
- Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acids
- Protein
- Vitamins A, D, B6 and B12
- Zinc
Best foods for baby and toddler brain development
No one food or “superfood” can ensure optimal brain development for toddlers. But some foods are packed with a variety of the necessary nutrients. Just be sure to monitor all new foods to ensure there’s no potential allergy.
1. Eggs
Eggs are nutritious and typically a crowd-pleaser for young children. Brain-boosting nutrients in eggs include choline, vitamin B12 and protein. Choline is especially important for normal brain development and can improve cognitive functioning. Two whole eggs a day provide the choline that children age 8 and younger need.
2. Seafood
Oily fish and other seafood provide a lot of bang for the buck when it comes to brain development —protein, zinc, iron, choline, iodine and omega-3 fats. But avoid feeding your toddler seafood that is high in mercury such as tuna and swordfish. Too much mercury can have harmful effects on a child’s developing nervous system. Instead, opt for low-mercury options such as shrimp, salmon, tilapia, crab or cod. Children under age 3 can have a 1-ounce serving two to three times a week.
3. Leafy green vegetables
There’s a reason that parents try to hide extra leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, in their children’s smoothies and pasta sauce: They’re a great source of iron and folate. Research shows that children who get enough folate tend to have better cognition than kids who don’t get enough. Iron plays an important role in the development of the hippocampus — the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory.
4. Lean beef (or meat alternative)
Lean beef qualifies as brain food because it is an excellent source of zinc and iron. Iron is especially vital for young children because they are more likely to experience anemia (low iron levels). Nearly one in 10 American children age 3 and younger has an iron deficiency, which can contribute to learning difficulties and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Black bean or soy burgers work as great iron-containing burger substitutes.
5. Yogurt
Unsweetened yogurt is an easy, kid-friendly way to support brain growth. It contains nutrients such as protein, zinc, choline and iodine. Children need iodine to produce thyroid hormones, which are vital to brain development and neurological processes. Even mild iodine deficiency may affect a child’s overall cognitive function and ability to reason.
6. Nuts & seeds
Food such as nuts, seeds and nut butters make a protein- and zinc-packed snack. Protein contributes to healthy brain growth and the development of long-term memory. Zinc also plays an important role during the toddler years, when the brain is growing rapidly. Insufficient amounts of zinc may affect your child’s cognitive development, impairing their memory and ability to learn.
Whole nuts and seeds can be a choking hazard, so try adding water to small amounts of peanut butter, or giving peanut-flavored “puff” snacks instead. Just make sure to choose puffs made from real peanuts with no artificial flavoring.
7. Beans
Beans offer several beneficial nutrients for a developing brain including zinc, protein, iron, folate and choline. Some types of beans, such as kidney, pinto and soybeans, also contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. For vegetarian children, the iron and protein in beans make them an excellent substitute for meat.
If you are concerned about your toddler’s diet or want more guidance about what your toddler should be eating, reach out to your child’s primary care physician.
9 Foods To Boost Your Baby's Brain Development During Pregnancy – feedmomandme
Written by: Co-Founder Amanda Capriglione, RDN, CDN
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Nicole Palmer, DO
In this article
Every parent naturally wants their baby to be healthy and grow up to be smart. Scientific research suggests that your diet during pregnancy can help boost fetal brain development. Optimal nutrient intake will not only have you flourishing but also your growing baby. We will be discussing the nutrients and foods that help boost a baby’s brain development while pregnant.
1. TAKE YOUR DAILY PRENATAL VITAMIN
Taking a daily complete prenatal plus DHA multivitamin will help you get those extra nutrients you may not be getting in your everyday diet. Look for a prenatal with DHA and Choline, both essential for baby’s brain development. We recommend taking Feed Mom & Me Complete Prenatal + DHA Multivitamin.
Vitamins supplements are meant to supplement your well-rounded diet regimen. They help enhance your intake of nutrients and vitamins along with your everyday food intake. Vitamin supplements aren’t meant to be used in place of real food.
For more information on prenatal vitamins, please check out our Benefits of Feed Mom & Me Complete Prenatal with DHA Multivitamin Blog. To purchase our Prenatal Vitamins, click here! You got this mama, you and your little one are going to thrive!
2. OMEGA 3, LIKE DHAActive forms of omega-3 fatty acids are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are vitally important for your developing baby’s brain & retina during pregnancy. DHA is the critical component of the cell membrane in the brain, eyes, and nervous system. It also supports the development of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem.
The fetal’s brain growth accelerates during your second trimester and continues growth for several years after birth. During pregnancy and lactation, it is recommended women’s daily intake of at least 200 mg of DHA. Both DHA and EPA are primarily derived from seafood and algae. Consuming 1 to 2 servings of seafood per week and a daily prenatal with DHA will help with your omega-3 intake.
BEST FOODS RICH IN OMEGA 3 (DHA) FOR PREGNANT WOMEN:- Fish such as Salmon, Mackerel, Tuna, Herring, and Sardines. (No more than 12 ounces per week)
- Fortified Eggs
- Flax and Chia Seeds
★ A good prenatal vitamin with natural DHA will smell a little fishy.
Read more on DHA in our blog, All You Need To Know About Prenatal Vitamins And DHA.
3. CHOLINECholine is vital for the proper development of your baby’s brain and spinal cord. It also helps form the neurotransmitters in the brain, which the nervous system uses to transmit messages between neurons, and/or neurons to muscles. It also influences lifelong memory functions for your developing baby.
BEST FOODS RICH IN CHOLINE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN:
Read more on choline in our blog, Choline during pregnancy.
4. VITAMIN B COMPLEXVitamin B complex plays a critical role during pregnancy for your developing baby’s brain. They help aid the production of numerous aspects of brain function, including energy production, DNA/RNA synthesis/repair, genomic and non-genomic methylation, and the synthesis of numerous neurochemicals and signaling molecules. They can also be considered a potent antioxidant capable of protecting the brain’s cellular membranes.
BEST FOODS RICH IN VITAMIN B COMPLEX FOR PREGNANT WOMEN:- Poultry, Lean Beef, and Meat.
- Fish such as Tuna and Salmon. (No more than 12 ounces per week)
- Dairy Products such as Eggs, Milk, Yogurt
- Nuts and Seeds such as Peanuts, Sunflower Seeds, Hazelnuts, Pistachios, Cashew Nuts
- Legumes such as Chickpeas, Black-Eyed peas, and Kidney Beans
- Whole Grains such as Whole Wheat, Brown Rice, and Oats.
- Enriched and Fortified Foods such as many Breads and Cereals.
- Vegetables such as Mushrooms (especially shiitakes), Avocados, Potatoes, Asparagus, and Brussels Sprouts and Broccoli.
- Leafy Vegetables such as Spinach and Mustard Greens.
- Fruits such as Papaya, Oranges, and Banana.
- Dried fruits such as Apricots and Prunes.
5. ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants protect your developing baby’s brain tissues and cellular membranes from damage and free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage cells. Produce contains the most amounts of antioxidants that are good for you and your baby. Try to consume seven servings of well-washed fruits and vegetables daily.
BEST FOODS RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN:- Dark Chocolate
- Pecans
- Berries such as Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, and Goji Berries
- Vegetables such as Artichokes, Broccoli, Asparagus, and Squash
- Leafy Vegetables such as Kale, Spinach, Cabbage, Lettuce, Collard Greens
- Root Vegetables such as Carrots, Beets, Radish
- Legumes such as Beans and Peas
- Avocados
★ Dark-colored produce often has more antioxidants.
6. IRONIron is one of the critical nutrients in developing a healthy baby. It helps your body produce hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen through your red blood cells, delivering life-sustaining oxygen to your baby. Oxygen helps flourish your developing baby’s brain growth. Make sure you stay hydrated when consuming iron to help avoid constipation. Check out our blog on the Top 15 Foods to Help Naturally Relieve Pregnancy Constipation.
BEST FOODS RICH IN IRON FOR PREGNANT WOMEN:- Lean Meat, and Poultry.
- Iron-fortified Breakfast Cereals and Breads.
- Legumes such as White Beans, Lentils, Spinach, Kidney Beans, Peas, and Edamame.
- Dried Fruits such as Raisins, Apricots, Peaches, and Prunes.
- Leafy Greens such as Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, and Collards Greens.
Read more on iron in our blog, Iron during pregnancy.
7. PROTEINEvery cell in your body requires protein’s numerous amino acids to help your body make new cells and repair cells. Research has shown that proteins are essential for the function of brain cells and the development of your baby’s brain.
BEST FOODS RICH IN PROTEIN FOR PREGNANT WOMEN:- Poultry
- Fish such as Salmon & Shrimp
- Dairy such as Eggs, Milk
- Legumes such as Beans, Lentils, Split Peas.
- Nuts & Seed such as Peanuts, Walnuts, Cashews, Pistachios, and almonds
- Whole grains
Your thyroid needs iodine to produce triiodothyronine & thyroxine hormones in both your developing baby and you during pregnancy. Iodine plays a crucial role in aiding the formation of your growing baby’s cerebral cortex and neocortex, visual and auditory cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. The fetal thyroid is not fully active up until the 20th week of pregnancy; therefore, your baby is entirely dependent on maternal thyroxine supply.
BEST FOODS RICH IN IODINE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN:- Seafood & Fish such as Cod, Tuna, Seaweed, and Shrimp.
- Dairy products such as Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese.
- Iodized salt
Read more on iodine in our blog, The importance of iodine during pregnancy.
9. ZINCZinc is a key micronutrient that helps with the rapid growth and development of cells and tissue. Aiding the development of the brain's hippocampal and cerebellar. Making it essential for your baby’s brain development.
BEST FOODS RICH IN ZINC FOR PREGNANT WOMEN:REFERENCE
- https://www.feedmomandme.com/products/complete-prenatal-vitamin-with-dha
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3046737/#B3
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26828517/
- https://www.feedmomandme.com/blog/15-foods-to-help-pregnancy-constipation
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/09/060905225522.htm
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23062035/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3506421/#:~:text=Zinc%20is%20essential%20for%20normal,on%20the%20offspring's%20nervous%20system.
- https://feedmomandme.com/blogs/mama-blog/all-you-need-to-know-about-prenatal-vitamins-and-dha
- https://feedmomandme.com/blogs/mama-blog/importance-of-choline-during-pregnancy
- https://feedmomandme.com/blogs/mama-blog/iron-during-pregnancy
- https://feedmomandme.com/blogs/mama-blog/the-importance-of-iodine-during-pregnancy
Food for the mind: foods that improve brain function at different ages smarter even in old age. Of course, it is better to “feed” the brain correctly throughout life, starting from the prenatal period.
What does our brain need?
Although our brain is only the size of a small head of cauliflower, it is the most voracious part of the body. By weight, it makes up only 2.5% of our total weight, and absorbs up to 20% of the calories we consume. There are several types of important foods, the regular use of which throughout life improves brain function, provides it with high-quality raw materials for the formation of new cells, and thus preserves our intelligence, preventing mental decline. To satisfy the "brain" hunger, you need two types of food. Firstly, the fuel necessary for the daily work of brain cells and replenishing energy reserves. And, secondly, substances that would support his daily activities.
The following nutritional recommendations will help extend the life of our brain.
Before birth (fetal development)
- Photo
- Getty Images/Tetra images RF
What the brain needs
Children today are often diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Scientists have found out how the quality of the food of a pregnant woman affects the development of this syndrome in an unborn child. In particular, they turned their attention to omega-3 fatty acids. One of the leading experts on ADHD, Dr. Alex Richardson of the University of Oxford, says that there is no specific treatment or diet for this type of disorder yet, but foods rich in omega-3s can help relieve symptoms and improve overall health. After all, in order for the 100 billion brain cells with which a child is born to develop, a sufficient supply of folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, iron and zinc is required.
What products contain it?
Bread, cereals, green vegetables, oranges or fruit juice are needed even during pregnancy, as these foods are rich in folic acid. Doctors also recommend that pregnant women take 0.8 mg of folic acid every day until the 12th week of pregnancy, and preferably at least 4 weeks before conception. Since some women require higher doses, it is best to discuss this with your doctor.
Fatty fish such as sardines, tuna, salmon, mackerel are the best source of long chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA, DPA). And canola, flaxseed, and walnut oils provide us with ALA, another type of these fats.
Use iodized salt. Table salt is recommended for cooking pasta and vegetables, and sea salt can be added to ready-made dishes. Other sources of iodine are fish, dairy products, eggs, and baked goods with iodized salt.
Red meat is the most affordable source of iron. If you don't eat meat or fish, include plenty of legumes, fortified breads and cereals in your diet. For better absorption of iron from these foods, take them with fruit juice, but not tea - it impairs the absorption of iron. Most of these products will also provide you with zinc.
Be careful!
Meat is a great option, but don't overdo the liver. It is an excellent source of iron, but it contains too much vitamin A. Too much of it can damage the brain development of the unborn baby. It is enough to eat liver dishes once a week. And be careful with fish oil supplements, they are also too high in vitamin A. Before taking them during pregnancy, check with your doctor.
Smoking and alcohol abuse are also dangerous for a child's brain development. During pregnancy, it is really important to give up bad habits.
Children under 3
- Photo
- Getty Images/Blend Images
What the brain needs
At birth, a baby's brain has about 100 billion cells, but it is only 15% developed. As they say, "the lights are on, but no one is home." The cells are already there, but there are no connections between them yet. The brain will be almost fully developed by the baby's third birthday, and in the first 3 years of life, impulses should begin to pass from one cell (neuron) to another. To ensure proper development of the baby, the process of connecting these brain cells must begin already in newborns. For this to happen, children need omega-3s, iron and zinc.
What products contain it?
Breastfeeding is the best food for young children as it provides them with everything they need during their growing season, including omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA.
Iron-rich foods are just as important, if not more so, for babies than for pregnant women. Babies are born with a supply of iron that lasts about 6 months. After that, they require dietary sources of iron. Meat purees should be introduced at the age of 6-7 months. Baby cereals, vegetables, beans and lentils also provide us with iron, as does fish, which can be introduced from about 8 months. Most of these products also contain zinc.
The use of these products during the first 3 years of life and beyond is very important so that the brain cells can work to their full potential. Do not rush to transfer a child from breast milk or infant formula to cow's milk, poor in iron - this may affect his health in the future.
But food for a child's brain is not only food. All the experience accumulated by a child in 3 years affects his ability to learn and behavior in the future. Children need a safe and comfortable home with a variety of intellectual stimulation options. Talk, read, sing and play with your children, let them feel that you love them.
By the way!
Food alone is not enough to improve brain function. Scientists recommend doing exercises for the brain - neurobics. The basic idea is simple: do the usual things in an unusual way, and you will not let the brain "wither". The more varied and non-standard tasks that you set for yourself, the better. In scientific terms, this is what will happen: new synapses-connections are formed between neurons, the cerebral cortex thickens and becomes more tortuous. In general, the brain is literally "pumped". Read more about neuroscience here.
Schoolchildren
- Photo
- Getty Images/iStockphoto
What the brain needs
At this age, the brain processes a lot of new information every day. Proper nutrition has a positive impact on children's school performance. These conclusions were reached by researchers from Canada, who studied the diet of 5,200 honors students. Children whose diets were rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, dietary fiber, protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin C performed better in reading and writing than those whose diets were rich in saturated fat, salt, and "empty" carbohydrates . Previous research has shown that malnourished children were uncollected and did worse in school. Conclusion: in school years, the brain needs proteins, carbohydrates, omega-3s and various vitamins and minerals.
What products contain this?
Breakfast, heavy or not, gives the brain fuel to work. Toast, porridge, eggs, fruit or yogurt is a great start to the school day.
Any protein food, such as meat, fish, nuts, cheese or milk, makes the student attentive. It stimulates the feel-good hormone dopamine, helping him enjoy lessons he usually doesn't enjoy.
A peanut butter sandwich helps to transmit impulses from neuron to neuron as quickly as possible. If the student cannot tolerate peanuts, replace them with an egg, lean meat, or cheese.
Oily fish is important for both academic success and growth. Canned fish is suitable for sandwiches or rolls, which can be given to the child with him to school.
Try adding fruits and vegetables to every meal to ensure you get a full complement of brain-friendly vitamins and minerals. It's also a good solution for a healthy break snack. No proper food can replace a good night's sleep. At the lesson, at the stadium or at the exam, the child will be able to do much more if he gets enough sleep.
Adults
- Photo
- Getty Images/E+
What does the brain need?
About 2/3 of each brain cell consists of fats. To effectively send messages, its walls must be flexible, which depends on their content of omega-3. If there are too few of them, the cell walls become rigid, if there are too many, they become soft and sluggish. It all depends on the right amount. The ratio between omega-6 and omega-4 is also important as these two types of fat compete with each other. Omega-3s will be neutralized if they are dominated by omega-6s. Since we get a lot of omega-6 from food (from vegetable oils), it is recommended to eat more food containing omega-3, such as oily fish.
With over 40 years of experience, we want to think as clearly and quickly as possible. To perform at its best, the adult brain needs a continuous supply of energy throughout the day. Only starchy carbohydrates can provide this.
What products contain this?
Wherever you eat: at home, in the car or at work, breakfast is just as important for an adult as it is for a student. Eating only air, you will not be able to fully work.
If morning tea is part of your workflow, pair it with a fruitcake, a sausage roll, or a large biscuit from a local café.
Drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, are helpful throughout the day. The caffeine burst will help you in meetings and conferences, but keep in mind that it only peaks an hour after you've had coffee or tea.
Eat at regular intervals during the day, this will help you keep the fuel for the brain at the proper level. Find time for lunch. Keep an emergency supply on your desk in case you can't go to lunch. Canned fish, beans, fruit or rice pudding keep well, and crackers, nuts, or low-calorie granola bars will do as well.
Avoid chocolate or muffins in the middle of the day when energy levels are low. But don't give up sugar altogether. After lunch, take a walk around the office or get some air to stimulate the brain. If you weren't able to eat lunch, eat a sandwich or fruit for a long-term energy boost.
The elderly
- Photo
- Getty Images/Image Source
As we age, our brain becomes more like a sieve. Brings memory, reactions. It is more difficult for us to remember, even more difficult to remember, analyze, focus on the thought process. And this, in essence, is a natural phenomenon: our gray matter, like the whole body, is subject to the process of oxidation - the same one that corrodes metal with rust, or covers an overripe apple with brown spots. This is why as we age, more than ever, our brains need antioxidants and B vitamins, especially choline.
What products contain it?
The main allies in the fight against brain aging are antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. By the way, they also help to slow down oxidative processes throughout the body, moreover, without any plastic surgery. Include carrots, beets, broccoli, tomatoes, kiwi, blueberries, avocados in your diet. In addition, the “menu” of a mature brain must include nuts and seeds, cereals, butter and dark chocolate (necessarily of high quality). These products inhibit the oxidation of gray matter.
To get the vitamins of group B necessary for the normal functioning of the brain in old age, you need to eat various types of meat, citrus fruits, vegetables, grain bread. The most useful product for the brain of an aged person is an egg, a source of choline. It has been scientifically proven that people with Alzheimer's disease and senile dementia have a lower content in the body of such an important substance for the functioning of the brain as acetylcholine. You can prevent its decrease in the body by eating eggs, milk, liver and red cabbage. There are a number of studies proving that the so-called "Mediterranean diet" (fatty fish, fresh fruits and vegetables) is useful for older people to prevent the development of senile dementia.
Don't forget about the benefits of an active lifestyle in adulthood - no matter how good your diet is, but adequate exercise for the brain is also important.
10 products, beneficial for the brain at any age:
-
Blenics
-
Cranberry
-
Fat fish, tuna, sardines, salmon
-
9021 902 Nuts: hazelnuts, peanuts, cashews
-
Claires and muesli
-
Bread
-
Eggs
-
Red -haired cabbage
-
Yogurt
9020
Anna Borisova, Svetlana Lyuboshits
5 best foods for the development of the child's brain and memory
Our energy directly depends on what kind of lifestyle we lead and what we eat. It is clear that you will not feed your child with fast food, and if you do, it will not lead to anything good. The diet of any person, not just a child, should be as balanced as possible. Energy consumption should be approximately equal to its consumption. In simple words, we move more, lead an active lifestyle - then we need to consume more energy-rich foods.
Healthy baby - happy parents!
Most children, as a rule, have their own internal energy motors, so it is very important that their nutrition is as balanced and rational as possible.
Rational nutrition in this case is a diet that contains the correct ratio of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and all this in sufficient quantities.
Consider a list of foods that affect the mental activity of a child.
Top 5 foods that should be in the diet of every child
NUTS
In the first place, of course, there will be nuts.
Why are nuts the real food for the mind?
Nuts contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals that are indispensable for mental stress, affect the growth and development of children, improve concentration and memory. These are polyunsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, B vitamins, calcium, zinc, iron, iodine.
Despite the fact that nuts are extremely healthy, they are strong allergens, so it is advisable to introduce children into the diet no earlier than 3 years and dosed, after grinding.
SPINACH
Vegetables and herbs should always be in the diet of any child.
What are the unique properties of spinach?
Spinach improves vision, normalizes digestion, strengthens the immune system, promotes the formation of bones and teeth. It also stimulates the brain due to lutein, which helps to better remember information. And this is not a complete list of its useful properties. Spinach can be given to children from the age of six months in the form of juice. Starting from the year you can give the leaves themselves.
EGGS
Everyone knows that eggs are a easily digestible source of protein that strengthens bones and muscles.
However, not everyone knows that eggs contain choline , which has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system and regulates enzymes necessary for mental health.
Therefore, eggs are very useful for children. Just remember that, unlike the yolk, protein can be given to children from 1 year old so as not to cause allergies.
TUNA
Tuna can be called the champion among fish in terms of the amount of nutrients it contains. It is very difficult to overestimate its merits. This fish contains a huge amount of trace elements (magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, iodine and others), as well as a large amount of B vitamins, vitamins A, E, D. Tuna contains polyunsaturated fatty acids. This is a real treasure for our body.
Can children give tuna? You can! Start dating at 3 years old and with minimum servings of 50 grams.
What specific benefit does tuna have?
Tuna improves visual acuity, has a calming effect on the nervous and cardiovascular systems, activates the activity of the brain. It also contains iodine, which has a positive effect on the intellectual development of the child.
CHOCOLATE
Yes, you didn't think it was chocolate. It can be given to children. Of course, it will not replace fruits, dried fruits and natural juices as a healthy treat, but when the child once again tries to beg you for a candy - buy him dark chocolate .
Chocolate contains serotonin, acting on certain areas of the brain, it increases mental abilities and forms interest in new knowledge.