Basic knowledge of child nutrition for parents

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Nutrition for children plays a very important role in the development of the body. Every parent wants their child to be healthy and well developed. Therefore, for parents, ensuring a balanced and healthy nutrition for their children is very important. To have a better understanding of nutrition knowledge, the following article would like to introduce parents to five nutrients necessary for the development of children.

1. Calcium

Calcium is a mineral that plays an important role in the development of bones, helps bones and teeth stay strong, and prevents osteoporosis and rickets. Adding enough calcium in the daily diet for children will help prevent bone and joint diseases and help grow taller. Foods that contain the most calcium include seafood, low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt, and cereals. Some green vegetables and fruit juices are also good sources of calcium. Here are some ways to increase the amount of calcium needed for children:
Breakfast with a bowl of whole grains, can be hot or cold depending on preference, combined with skim or low fat milk and some fruit sliced ​​fresh. A snack with low-fat yogurt, smoothie or cheese after school or in between meals to supplement calcium and increase resistance for children. Child nutrition with fruit juices and calcium-fortified cereals is an option for many parents. Mix low-fat chocolate milk with bananas and shaved ice to make a delicious smoothie for a quick snack. They are also like desserts or snacks for children to supplement calcium.

2. Fiber

Dietary fiber is an indispensable element in children's nutrition. Fiber is also called a roughage but is very important. Because of the benefits that it brings to the digestive system is great, including helping to prevent constipation, protecting the intestines and preventing intestinal diseases. Therefore, in the daily meal of children, it is necessary to have foods rich in fiber to keep the digestive system working properly. Foods high in fiber such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables all need to be included in the dishes for children. It is also very important to prepare high-fiber foods for children, parents can make them easy to eat but also very easy to do with a few suggestions:
A bowl of high-fiber cereal is the start Great start to meet your child's daily nutritional needs. Choose whole grains, which contain 3g or more of fiber per serving. Usually, the more sugar a cereal has, the less fiber it has. So, with low- or no-sugar cereals, you can add sweetness to them by adding fresh fruit, raw milk or a little condensed milk. Prepare a small amount of chopped fruits and vegetables, then make a salad or eat directly according to the child's preferences. Parents can also put it in the blender to make a nutritious smoothie. Whole fruits and vegetables are high in fiber but lower in sugar than most fruit juices. Legumes also contain a lot of fiber and protein. So you can make them into many foods for your baby to add fiber. Wash the beans and dry them, then put them in a box to store in the refrigerator. Every time you cook, add beans to cook with soups, stews, salads, fried eggs and cook according to your child's liking for the most delicious taste. Mothers can also spread peanut butter on celery and sprinkle raisins on top to create a creative dish for children but rich in nutrients as well as fiber.

3. Protein

Every cell in the body is made up of protein, so protein is an essential nutrient for the body's healthy growth and development. Protein is found in animal products such as milk, eggs, seafood, and meat. Although less, protein is also found in legumes, nuts, vegetables and whole grains. Increasing protein for children from protein-rich foods helps children develop physically and mentally. With dishes such as:
Eggs are a protein-rich food and are loved by many children. You can make egg dishes for your child: French toast, scrambled eggs, pancakes and scrambled eggs are all easy to eat and packed with protein, iron and other important nutrients. Salmon dishes that kids will love. Salmon head or other fish fillet with salsa or teriyaki sauce to give your child lean protein along with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Add nuts to cereal, yogurt, or vegetables for protein, fiber, and healthy unsaturated fats. You can also make a fruit mix to create a high-protein snack for your baby. Add a mixture of dried fruits such as raisins, bananas, apples or blueberries, nuts (soybeans or peanuts) and high-fiber cereals and mix well, can add fresh milk as you like.

4. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are also important in child nutrition. It helps protect the body against harmful substances that destroy cells in the body. Boost your child's diet with foods rich in antioxidants, such as almonds, berries, oranges, tangerines, carrots, spinach, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Mothers can prepare dishes from antioxidant foods for their children as follows:
Prepare a bottle of 100% orange juice, fresh fruit or granola cereal at each exercise session for a snack. Delicious and full of energy. A healthy lunch with carrots, tomatoes or a few slices of red bell pepper for a light meal but high in fiber and antioxidants. Add more antioxidant-rich tomato slices or ketchup to pate sandwiches, stir-fries, meatloaf, soups, and stews. Make a delicious dish packed with vitamins and antioxidants by mixing together low-fat yogurt, fresh or frozen blueberries, and almonds.

5. Iron

In children's nutrition, iron is an indispensable element for the body. Iron is a mineral that transports oxygen in the blood, boosts the immune system, and keeps the body full of energy. You can increase iron in your child's diet from lean meats, egg yolks, fish, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, dried fruits and cereals, and pork liver. Some of the following nutrition facts will help you prepare iron-rich foods for children, including:
Vitamin C will enhance iron absorption. Therefore, when eating foods rich in iron, it should be eaten with foods containing a lot of vitamin C. For example, when eating eggs, it should be accompanied by oranges or an orange juice for dessert. An iron- and vitamin-rich side dish with spinach, topped with strawberries, dried blueberries or thinly sliced ​​almonds, a few raspberries and a splash of vinaigrette makes the complete salad. Fruit will help the body absorb the iron in spinach, this dish is also very attractive to children. For children with anorexia, mothers should give children cereals with low-fat milk or yogurt with fresh fruit to change dishes for children. These dishes are very rich in iron, calcium, nutrients that are good for the body of children. A whole-wheat bread with sliced ​​turkey and a sprinkle of cheese or dried blueberries will give your baby an iron boost. In short, nutrition for children is very important for the physical and mental development of children. Understanding children's nutrition knowledge will help parents choose good foods for their children and know what nutrients their children's bodies need. You can also consult nutrition knowledge from experts to make the best choice for your child.
Children who do not eat properly are at risk of micro-mineral deficiency causing anorexia, growth retardation, malabsorption,... If they notice the above signs, parents should supplement their children with products. The supplement contains lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to help fully meet the nutritional needs of children. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
Parents can learn more:
Signs of zinc deficiency in children
Micronutrient deficiency and failure to gain weight in children
Please regularly visit Vinmec.com website and update useful information to take care of your child. Take care of the baby and the whole family.
Reference source: webmd.com