By Dr Jaena Stanley Gonzaga of ChicagoHealers.comWould you want your child to live a healthier and well nourished life? Children, nowadays, need the most impeccable guidance from the parents to help them live a wellness lifestyle. Now is the time to help our children break the unhealthy eating patterns that lead to heart disease, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, and many other health problems that many are now experiencing.A great place for parents to start is with nutrition. Your child’s health will benefit tremendously with the incorporation of Super foods to their daily eating regimen. Super foods are nutrient rich whole foods that are mostly found in your local grocery store or health food store. You may ask, “Why are Superfoods important for a child’s diet?” The answer, your child’s health now and in the future depends on it. Superfoods will give your child what they need for growth, development, adaptability and function.
The top 5 Basic Superfoods for kids to get started with are:
Almonds: Almonds are a great source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, protein, folic acid and fiber. Almonds also contain the good fats or monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. This powerful nut neutralizes acidity in the body with its high alkalizing mineral content. Almonds help protect the heart, build bones, and prevent cancer. Almonds can be eaten as they are, made into almond milk, or added to cereal.
Apples: Apples are a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. They contain a soluble fiber called pectin which helps to regulate blood sugar, prevent clogging of the arteries, and cleanses the digestive system. Most of the nutrients such as Vitamin C and other antioxidant phytonutrients like Quercetin are found just below the skin. To get the full nutrient value of the apple, the whole apple with skin must be eaten. Slice up some apples for your kids to graze on throughout the day. This will also help them sustain a good level of energy for their busy and playful lives.
Avocado: Avocados are actually a fruit that is high in the good fats and contains essential minerals like potassium, iron, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium. Avocados also contain essential antioxidant vitamins like vitamin C and E. Other vitamins include Vitamin A and B-complex vitamins. This fruit when added with other fruits and vegetables help with the absorption of fat soluble nutrients. Avocados are great for healthy skin, improved muscles and nerve function, electrolyte balance, energy metabolism and immune booster. Avocados can be made into raw soups, chip dips, shakes, smoothies, and popsicles.
Bee Pollen: Bee Pollen, of all foods, contains all the needed nutrients necessary for life. They contain a great amount of B-complex vitamins such as Vitamin B-12. Bee pollen also contains several amino acids, minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, and enzymes. Add this superfood to smoothies and cereal for a complete nourishing meal. It is recommended that children that are allergic to bees should stay away from this food.
Berries: Berries with its deep and luscious colors tell you immediately that they are a great source of fiber, minerals and antioxidants from phytonutrients and vitamins such as Vitamin C and E. Berries promote healthy aging, improved memory, and prevention of chronic diseases. Berries are easily incorporated into you child’s meals as snacks, in pancakes, in cereal, shakes, smoothies and home made popsicles.
Superfoods are not limited to a few foods, there are many. The rule of thumb is to slowly incorporate a variety of superfoods like fruits and vegetables into your family’s lifestyle. As your child gets older, their taste buds will continually change and improve. The creativity by the parent to find ways to keep these foods in every day meals is hard work at first and, just like any other practices, become easy and effortless. Continue to consistently teach your child the power of healthy choices in what they eat. You will see an impact not only in their health and vitality, but in their mindset. The child learns the mindset of what true nourishment is all about thanks to mommy and daddy.
Other recommendations that are the next step to the basic superfoods mentioned are cacao nibs, coconut, coconut water, gogi berries, green vegetables, and krill oil.
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