The truth of the matter is that you may not be able to control every single thing your child does, but you can sure control what they eat. It is general knowledge that a child will mainly grow by virtue of the nutritional content of the food that they eat. It is important to recognize that there are certain foods that are highly recommended and others which may not be the best at your child’s age; that is why this article will explain to you some of the highly recommended nutrients for your child.
1. Calcium
There is no better way to build up and make your child stronger than to make sure they are getting healthy quantities of calcium. A sufficient intake of calcium will make your child develop strong bones, help in the development of healthy teeth, and the proper functioning of the heart, muscles and nerves. Some of the foods that are rich in calcium are yogurt, low-fat milk, cheese, leafy greens, and green beans.
2. Iron
Iron is also one of the most essential nutrients for the normal development of children. Over the years, studies have indicated that a deficiency in iron is one of the main causes of anaemia – that causes “frequent infections, poor weight gain and delay in development”. Among others, some of these foods are highly rich in iron: green vegetables, bread, baked beans and fortified cereals.
3. Proteins
Proteins are known for their body building abilities. There are no better sources of proteins than sea food, coupled with meat, eggs, beans, peas and unsalted nuts. Because of the hyper-active nature of children, they tend to get hurt frequently, requiring proper nutrition to speed up the healing process. One of the basic roles of protein is to ensure that the body is repaired after an injury; it is even said that the amount of proteins in person’s body determines how quickly they recover from an injury.
4. Essential fatty acids
Finally, your child needs a sufficient supply of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). These acids complement the work of proteins, and help in building up the body’s cells. They also go further in helping to regulate your child’s nervous system, by enhancing brain function and also strengthening their cardiovascular system. Essential Fatty Acids can be traced in these foods: Sea foods, flaxseed oil, fish oil, chia seeds, soybeans and spinach.
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