The importance of nutrition for cognitive development

Why healthy daycare meals strengthen thinking and learning

The importance of nutrition for physical health is well known. However, the development of a child's brain is also significantly influenced by what children eat every day. Certain nutrients are particularly crucial in the early years of life, when the brain develops rapidly. A balanced and nutrient-rich diet can not only improve learning and concentration, but also has long-term effects on behavior, resilience, and emotional balance.

At SchmatzGut, we specifically focus our nutritional concept on supporting children's cognitive development in the best possible way. Our plant-based diet not only meets the scientifically sound requirements of the DGE quality standard, but also offers important benefits that go beyond this framework.

The brain needs energy and micronutrients

The brain is one of the body's most energy-intensive organs. Although it only accounts for about two percent of body weight, it requires about twenty percent of total energy. This is provided primarily in the form of glucose, which comes from whole grain products, legumes, and fresh fruit, among other sources.

But glucose alone is not enough. Essential fatty acids such as omega-3 from algal oil, plant-based iron sources such as lentils or millet, zinc from oatmeal or pumpkin seeds, and important vitamins from fresh vegetables play a central role in the development of the nervous system. They promote the production of neurotransmitters, protect nerve cells, and support myelination, the insulation of nerve pathways for rapid transmission of impulses.

These components can be used specifically in a vegan diet. With fortified foods such as nutritional yeast (vitamin B12), calcium-rich plant-based drinks, and iodine from sea salt or algae, we achieve a comprehensive, child-friendly diet that is scientifically proven and prepared with child-friendly taste.

What happens when you are malnourished?

A deficiency in certain nutrients can significantly impair mental development. Research shows clear connections:

Iron deficiency can lead to difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation, and developmental delays. A lack of iron also limits the oxygen supply to the brain.

A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids , which is often found in children's diets lacking high-quality fats, can have a negative impact on memory, impulse control and emotional balance.

Zinc and iodine are essential for growth and cognitive development. Both are specifically considered in our diet planning.

B vitamins , especially B6, B12, and folic acid, are essential for the formation of neurotransmitters. In vegan cuisine, they can be reliably obtained through fortified products and combinations with whole grains, legumes, and nuts.

Freshness, variety and origin count

The selection of foods has a major influence on nutrient density. That's why we at SchmatzGut rely on regional, seasonal, and, whenever possible, organically produced ingredients. Our fresh produce comes from carefully selected partner farms, preferably organic, Bioland, or Demeter-certified. They are processed at their natural ripeness, preserving valuable vitamins and trace elements.

Gentle preparation is also crucial. Vegetables cooked in a combi steamer retain their color, flavor, and texture, making them not only healthier for children but also more appealing. Avoiding additives, unnecessary sugar, and highly processed products is a given for us.

Learning begins with eating

Nutrition is always also an educational experience. That's why we see every meal as an opportunity to teach children a healthy relationship with food. The dishes in our SchmatzGut kitchen are designed to be not only balanced but also to stimulate curiosity. New foods are combined with familiar ones. Bright colors, interesting shapes, and mild spices create a positive approach to healthy eating.

This form of nutrition education fully complies with the recommendations of the DGE quality standards. We even go a step further by actively collaborating with the educational teams, if desired, and also providing child-friendly rituals and hands-on activities.

Conclusion: Nutrition as the key to mental development

Children need a diet that not only satisfies their needs but also supports their full potential. SchmatzGut's cuisine relies on a vegan concept that is scientifically proven and fully complies with the requirements of the German Nutrition Society (DGE). At the same time, it offers the opportunity to introduce children early on to a sustainable, plant-based diet that equally considers body, mind, and the environment.

If you want to promote intellectual development, the best place to start is with food. And for us, that starts with the finest ingredients, a conscious approach, and a clear goal: healthy children with alert minds, stable behavior, and a love of food.