Are certain foods ‘brain foods’ for toddlers?

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Mu’minoon (23), Verse 19: ‘Thereafter, We (Allah Almighty) have produced for you gardens containing date palms and grapevines…’ This Verse highlights the nourishing gifts that Allah Almighty provides from the earth, filled with both sustenance and symbolism. Dates and grapes were common elements in the diet of the righteous and are known to contain a wealth of natural sugars, fibres, and antioxidants that benefit both the body and brain. Eating foods that are mentioned in the noble Quran reminds us to be conscious and grateful for what we consume.
It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5445, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: ‘How excellent are dates as the believer’s Suhoor.’ This Hadith Shareef points not only to the nutritional value of dates but to the broader Prophetic tradition of mindful eating. The Sunnah teaches us to value moderation, quality, and gratitude in what we feed our families. Feeding toddlers foods that align with this tradition, dates, honey, olives, milk, barley, and fresh fruits, nurtures both body and soul. When meals are approached with intention, they become acts of care, mercy, and even Ibadah.
Mealtime becomes a form of teaching, reminding children of Allah Almighty’s blessings and the importance of honouring their bodies with what is pure, balanced, and nourishing.