Parents would race to the store to buy it, knocking over anyone who got in their way. Families would forgo fancy cars and trips so they could afford to serve it at every meal. Activists would probably even convince Congress that this magical meal needed to be part of the national school lunch program.

Of course, there's no need to fantasize about this education elixir, because "brain" foods really do exist.

Foods such as salmon and nuts contain essential fatty acids that help produce brain cells. Eggs have essential B vitamins that provide clarity of thought and pineapples contain manganese, which helps with memory.

There are a host of other smart foods, from nuts and berries to oats and sweet potatoes that studies show improve memory, mood and concentration levels.

As the new school year approaches, health experts say providing your children nutritional food may be the best education investment around.

"Your child's mind needs nurturing and nourishment like any other part of his or her body," says Nicola Graimes, author of Brain Foods for Kids (Delta Trade Paperbacks, $17).

Intelligence-boosting foods are those that are eaten in their natural form: nuts, fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains. These foods contain a host of nutrients, take longer to digest and provide a steady supply of energy. (Because of mercury in some fish, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests severely limiting seafood consumption - especially shark, swordfish, marlin and fresh or canned tuna - for women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children.)

On the other end of the spectrum are what Graimes calls "brain-drain" foods: processed cheeses, breaded meats such as chicken nuggets and fish sticks, high-sugar breakfast cereals, carbonated drinks, potato chips and candies with artificial colors. These refined foods have lost vitamins and minerals in the manufacturing process and even though they can give you an initial energy boost, they usually leave you feeling sluggish.

"Even when the nutrients are artificially replaced, such as in breakfast cereals and breads, it is debatable whether they can be absorbed efficiently by the body," she says.

After years of poor health and dealing with a son who struggled in school and who had been diagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Shari Martin, of West Jordan, went on a quest to improve her health.

"The root cause was poor eating," she says, noting she was spending $400 on groceries each month and $800 on prescriptions and medical bills at the height of her family's crisis.

"We changed our eating habits and everything flip-flopped. We were able to reverse his ADHD and work through our family problems," says Martin, who now works as a holistic food specialist at Wild Oats Natural Marketplace. She also teaches healthy eating classes at the stores.

She likes to give this harsh warning for parents: "Your choice of diet can affect your child's lifelong health prospects more than any other action you take as a parent."

Martin says she cut out soda pop and refused to buy sugary cereals for her children, even though they begged. She bought whole-grain breads, fish and fruits and vegetables. Today, she keeps her distance from fast-food outlets by always having a stash of bottled water and snacks, like her nut butter surprise (see recipe below) in her car.

"Otherwise, I'm tempted," she says.

Of course, eating brain foods is not going to turn kids into Albert Einstein.

Students will still need to finish homework and study for tests. But experts say that providing children with these nutrient-rich foods is a good way to ensure students are able to perform at their peak.

It's no secret there is a clear relationship between our mental and emotional functioning and the food we eat, says Douglas Goldsmith, executive director of the Children's Center in Salt Lake City, which treats children with behavioral disorders.

Just think about the headache you get if you skip lunch or how sleepy you feel after eating that afternoon piece of cake. Children are no different and need energy-dense foods in small but regular amounts to keep their blood sugar levels steady.

While there are numerous reasons for poor grades and unruly children, "we are missing a step if we are not looking at their food," says Goldsmith.

kathys@sltrib.com

Brain foods

Apples contain boron, which keeps you alert and in a positive mood.

Avocados have antioxidant vitamins that can protect brain cells and they contain "good" monounsaturated fat.

Berries have antioxidants that help get oxygen to the brain.

Cabbage contains beta carotene, which protects the brain.

Eggs contain B vitamins, essential for clarity of thought.

Milk has calcium, which relaxes nerve and muscle cells. A deficiency makes children irritable and aggressive.

Molasses One tablespoon contains more calcium than a glass of milk plus plenty of iron to boost your mood.

Nuts contain B vitamins and iron, which helps concentration.

Salmon has fatty acids, essential for the production of brain cells and improved learning.

- "Brain Foods for Kids"

Nut butter surprise

This snack is loaded with fiber and good oils, but remember to drink it with plenty of water.

2 cups old-fashioned oats, uncooked

1 cup peanut butter or almond butter (for those with peanut allergies)

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup fresh cashews

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Mix all the ingredients in a large resealable bag. Refrigerate. When hungry, pinch off a piece to eat.

- Shari Martin, West Jordan

Avocado dip

2 mashed avocados

1/2 cup goat or plain yogurt

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 chopped tomato

Garlic salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup red onion, if desired

Baked tortilla chips, for serving

Mix all the ingredients together and serve with chips.

-Shari Martin, West Jordan

Shrimp pasta

1/2 pound whole-wheat spaghetti

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large garlic clove, chopped

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1/4 cup dry white wine*

1 2/3 cups tomato puree

1/2 teaspoon sugar

2 heaping tablespoons cream cheese

3/4 cup frozen peas, defrosted

6 ounces cooked shrimp, defrosted (if frozen)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook pasta in plenty of boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain, reserving 2 tablespoons cooking water. Heat oil in a large heavy-based frying pan and cook garlic and oregano for 1 minute until softened, taking care not to let the garlic burn.

Add wine and bring to a boil, then simmer over medium-high heat until liquid is reduced slightly and no smell of alcohol remains. Stir in tomato puree and sugar, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes until reduced and thickened. Stir in cream cheese, peas and shrimp and season to taste. Cook for a few minutes until heated through.

Combine the pasta and reserve cooking water with the sauce and serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

*Apple juice can be used as a substitute.

- "Brain Foods for Kids: Over 100 recipes to boost your child's intelligence"

Bubble 'n' squeak patties

Cabbage is not always a favorite with children but here it is served crisp and partly disguised by mashed potatoes.

1/2 cup Savoy cabbage, very finely shredded

1 heaping cup cold mashed potatoes

1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 small egg, beaten

Flour, for coating

Sunflower oil, for frying

Steam cabbage for three minutes until just tender. Cool and squeeze with your hand to remove as much water as possible. Mix the cabbage with the mashed potatoes, cheese and mustard. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in egg and mix to combine.

With floured hands, divide mixture into sixths. Form each section into a patty. Coat each patty in flour and shake to remove any excess.

Lightly coat the bottom of a large heavy-based frying pan with oil. Cook three patties at a time for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden. Drain on paper towels before serving.

Serve with low-sugar, low-salt baked beans.

- "Brain Foods for Kids: Over 100 recipes to boost your child's intelligence"

Brain-busting gingerbread

1 sticks unsalted butter, plus additional for greasing

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup whole-wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

3 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup dried pitted dates, chopped

1 cup milk

1 egg, beaten

1 cup light brown sugar

cup molasses

1/2 cup golden corn syrup

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8-inch-square cake pan with extra butter and line the base with parchment paper. Sift both types of flour, baking powder and salt into a large mixing bowl. Stir in ginger, baking soda and dates. In a separate bowl, beat milk and egg together. Set aside.

Put the sugar, molasses, syrup and butter in a saucepan, heat, stirring over medium-low heat until melted. Pour mixture into the dry ingredients with the milk and egg. Beat until smooth.

Pour mixture into prepared cake pan. Level top with back of a spoon. Bake 55 to 60 minutes until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Leave cake in pan for 10 minutes, then turn onto a wire rack to cool completely. Peel off parchment paper.

Makes 20 squares.

- "Brain Foods for Kids: Over 100 recipes to boost your child's intelligence"