Growing children needs healthy diet. Healthy diet is very important for the development of growing children. Today, children are more likely to eat junk foods but this is not healthy for their health as we all know that “Excess of everything is dangerous”. The children may have to face some kind of health issues (such as obesity), if they eat much of junk food. Hence it is the responsibility of all parents that they develop healthy food habits to their children. Here we will try to understand the important nutrients that are the basic need for all the growing children.
Healthy diet for growing children
· Iron intake
The children who are having high calorie & poor-nutrient in their diet may have to face the problem of low iron due to overweight issue. Iron is an important nutrient for growing children because it helps red blood cells to provide oxygen to cells overall our body. Iron also plays vital role in the development of brain. Parents should add iron rich food in their children’s everyday diet so that they become strong by physically and mentally as well.
The best sources to get iron are- Chickpeas, Shrimp, Lentils, Chicken, Beans, Whole Wheat Bread, Tomato Paste, Raisins, Fortified cold & hot cereals, Soy nuts etc.
· Calcium intake
Calcium is another important nutrient for children because it helps in the development of bones. Those children who have too much of juice and less milk in their diet, may have to face low bone density and osteoporosis in the future (especially in case of females). Hence it is the responsibility of all the parents to make the habit of consuming calcium rich food products. Calcium rich food products not only strong your children’s bone but also prevent them from Type I diabetes and many other diseases.
The best sources to get calcium are- Milk, Cheese, Waffles, Yogurt, Fortified foods like cereals, Juices, Soy milk and other milk products.
· Fiber intake
Healthy diet for growing children should also contain fiber enriched food. Fiber helps the children to stay fit. Fiber enriched diet also protect your children from various chronic diseases in future. Experts recommend 15 to 20 gms of fiber in everyday diet.
The best sources to get fiber are- Oatmeal, Fruits, Whole-Grain bread & pasta, High-fiber cereals, Chickpeas, Beans, Lentils, Green Peas, Popcorn, Sweet Potatoes, Nuts, Ground Flaxseed
· Vitamin E intake
Today almost 70% children are lacking behind in their daily requirement of vitamin E because of fat-free & low-fat food stuffs. Vitamin E plays vital role as an antioxidant which protects the body cells from harmful breakdowns. Vitamin E is very important for growing children. Hence, giving your child low-fat food is good because it contains less saturated fat but giving them fat-free food is not the best option.
The best sources to get vitamin E are- Spinach, Avocado, Wheat germ, Nuts, Tomato sauce, Peanut butter, Plant oils, Sunflower seeds etc.
· Potassium intake
Today children are getting approx. 50% low potassium on daily basis because many of them do not have enough fruits & vegetables in their food habits. Potassium is very important for the maintenance of good fluid balance & blood pressure and also helps body muscle to contract.
The best sources to get potassium are- Honeydew, Bananas, Cantaloupe, Oranges, Milk, White & sweet potatoes, Fish, Dried apricot, Tomatoes etc.