The Brain-Boosting Side Effects of Grass-Fed Dairy

Brain food: Yep, it exists, and for growing kids whose minds are developing at a rapid rate, it’s a necessity. Omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, and B vitamins are high on the list of foods that help build memory and cognitive performance.

But if you’ve ever tried to feed a kid sardines or cod liver oil, you know that sneaking in those omega-3s and B vitamins is easier said than done. Even whole grains like brown rice can get the side-eye from picky eaters.

Grass-fed dairy to the rescue! Yep, the milk produced by cows that eat (you guessed it) grass instead of grain–contains far more nutrition—and much of it is really, really good stuff for building brain function.

In fact, there are tons of benefits to using products from cows that are grass-fed instead of grain-fed. Overall the byproducts from these cows contain way more vitamins and minerals—including B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids normally found in fatty fish—that support brain development.

This type of dairy also has up to three times as much conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) than typical dairy. CLA is an impressive antioxidant that helps to fight and protect against diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Even fortified grain-fed dairy products can’t come close to the naturally occurring nutrition in grass-fed products.

One easy way to start working grass-fed dairy into your family’s rotation? Mac and cheese. Annie’s Homegrown Organic Grass Fed Mac & Cheese contains ingredients with brainpower nutrients that blow most boxed macaroni and cheese brands out of the water.

Unlike that day-glo orange “cheese product” powder, Annie’s cheese has no artificial colors and flavors. Made with grass-fed dairy from farmers they trust (and know by name!), this mac and cheese tastes just like the blue box kind you grew up with, but without the unwanted additives and artificial flavors. A nutritious kid-favorite? It’s a no-brainer!

Photo credit: Paul Delmont