Recently, there are reports about kids suffering from malnutrition – and this is not from a third world country, mind you. It is creepy, scary, but above all, it’s horrifying. Caring for the health and nutrition for young children is a primary concern that we, as parents, must accept full responsibility for. The fact that it happens in a first world country means that we must rethink of what we give our children.
A basic fact of life is that kids must always eat healthy – but how, you ask. The simplest answer would be having them eat fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately for us, those two food groups are always the farthest from their minds when they come to the table to eat.
Here are examples of some food and their health benefits – things your kids may miss should continue to reject them:
Apple. Called as the “Food of Gods” by the Scandinavians, the apple is a highly nutritious food. It is abundant in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A and small amounts of vitamins E, H and B complex. If ethen raw, the skin of the apple should not be discarded for the flesh just below the skin contains more vitamin C compared to any other part of the apple. It also has natural benefits and curative properties. It is often used in the treatment of anemia, constipation and diarrhea (2 apples a day should be eaten), headaches, high blood pressure, dry cough, kidney stones, and dental disorders.
Carrot. Kids may have become familiar with carrots through cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny. But when it comes to nutrition, it’s not lacking. The carrot is a rich source of vitamin A and is good for the eyes. Carotene (a type of pro-vitamin) gives the carrot its usual orange color and is converted into vitamin A by the liver. These are also rich in sodium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and sulfur, small amounts of vitamin B complex and traces of iodine. The popular carrot also has other benefits like preventing tooth decay, helps treat digestive disorders (such as constipation, diarrhea, peptic ulcer, appendicitis, intestinal colic, colitis and dyspepsia), and eliminates thread worms (since carrots are naturally off to all parasites) .
Cucumber. Cucumber slices are good for soothing tired eyes – your kids may have seen that from TV programs. But this wonderful vegetable also has a high mineral content, provided that it is not peeled (for most of the nutritive values are in and near the skin). It contains potassium, magnesium, sodium, silicon, chlorine, fluorine, sulphur, calcium, iron, vitamin C and small amounts of vitamin B complex. It also has medicinal properties, beneficial to those suffering from constipation and other stomach disorders, urinary problems, cholera, and yes, can be taken as a beauty aid.
So start to help your child eat right by being creative in the menu you prepare. Sometimes, food presentation is the key to your child’s nutrition.