Getting your kids to eat healthy foods can be challenging. For example, they don’t want to eat leafy greens and fresh fruit. Instead, they would order a pizza, grill a hot dog, or take a trip to the place with the golden arches. As easy as it is to give in to letting them eat their favourite and unhealthy food, you need to ensure that they get enough vitamins and minerals.
Around 15% of children in the UK don’t get enough to eat, so if you are in the position to be able to feed your children, you should provide for them well. One of the best things you can do is get them involved in cooking. You can also let them choose from a health selection. However, you should not force them to eat something they don’t want to as this is likely to cause rebellion.
However, and whatever you get them to eat, some vital minerals are required for proper development.
Calcium – Growing Up Strong
One of the most essential dietary requirements throughout your life is calcium intake. Calcium is well-known for promoting strong, healthy teeth and strong bones, but it does much more than that. Calcium is also essential for brain development as it is the primary element for optimal neurotransmission and nerve sensitivity.
Fortunately, getting enough calcium is easy. Consuming dairy products like milk and cheese is the simplest method, and kids love milk based snacks such as Cheese Strings. However, some kids are lactose intolerant and may suffer if dairy is ingested. In addition to or instead of dairy, leafy greens and soy products are excellent calcium sources.
Fibre – Proper Plumbing
According to the popular children’s book by Japanese author Taro Gomi, everybody poops. While that certainly is the case, some might have a more challenging time than others. This can happen because of an inadequate intake of fibre. Fibre is the carbohydrate content of food that cannot be broken down by the digestive system.
There are two types of fibre; soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre retains water in waste content and makes it easier to pass. Insoluble fibre adds matter to waste, making it bulkier. This encourages the body to pass it quickly. Getting enough fibre is essential for children as a fibre deficiency will cause painful issues like constipation, haemorrhoids and rectal hernia. Fresh fruit and vegetables are good fibre sources.
Iron – Active and Healthy
A vital mineral for many reasons, iron is among one of the most important that your child, and indeed, yourself, needs. Iron is responsible for oxygen distribution throughout the human body via oxygenated (red) blood cells. In addition, muscles, organs and the brain require iron to survive. It also helps regulate certain hormones throughout your system.
Iron is essential for children and teens because it helps combat the changes they experience as they grow. For girls, iron is required more because they can lose it when they start their period. A lack of iron causes skin conditions, fatigue and breathing problems. Shellfish, red meat and legumes are excellent sources of iron.
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