Recommended Age: 1 year onwards
Hey pretty mummas!! Winters are here at last! The season of steaming cuppa, hot soups, juicy oranges, fresh greens, crispy apples, cosy blankets, furry socks and layering of clothes is here. Also here is the season of cough, cold and flu. As much as we love winters, we are equally terrified of our kids falling ill every now and then. Wouldn’t it be nice if we can do something about it proactively, and give them foods that boost their immunity a notch to brave the winters?
I am going to list Top Ten Super Foods for your kids that will help them to face the cold weather by making their immunity stronger.
1. Oranges
Oranges are extremely rich in Vitamin C that boosts the immunity. Daily intake of oranges can help keep cough and cold at bay.
2. Jaggery
Jaggery is one of the best digestives. It is also said to be beneficial to have in winters. Jaggery is considered warm as it gives enough calories to generate heat in the body that keeps it snug from inside. It also helps to dilate blood vessels and produces warmth in the body.
3. Leafy Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are highly rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, antioxidants, fibre, folate, vitamin K, magnesium, calcium, iron and potassium. Hence, they will boost up the immunity and keeps the diseases away. Serve them daily in the form of soups, salads or cooked.
4. Amla or Gooseberry
Amla has the highest concentration of vitamin C among all the natural sources. It contains more than 80% water and is loaded with protein, carbohydrate, fibre, Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Carotene and Vitamin B Complex. The vitamin C in Amla helps in building resistance against infections in winters. Its’ antibacterial properties help in developing immunity and making kids stronger and healthier.
5. Nuts
Nuts are the energy powerhouse packed with numerous benefits like antioxidant, strong bones, healthy bowel and healthy skin and hair. They are supremely rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats, protein and fibre. A handful of serving contains:
• 36% of a child’s daily vitamin E requirement
• 13% of a child’s daily fibre requirement
• 4g protein
• B-group vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, potassium and magnesium.
6. Eggs
Egg protein supplies all the essential amino acids, which are the building blocks for hormones, skin, tissues and more in the body. They are considered essential because our body cannot make them on its own; we have to get them from food. Protein is vital for growth in kids. Eggs are also rich in Omega-3 which helps in kids’ cognitive development.
7. Honey
Honey is the sweetest natural food nature can offer. It is highly rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, minerals, vitamins and other essential nutrients and antiseptics and antibacterial properties. Honey is also believed to have medicinal properties that can help in:
• getting relief from cough & cold
• promoting healthy digestive system
• faster healing of wounds
• boosting energy
• supplying multivitamins naturally
• strengthening the immune system
8. Beetroot
Beetroot is a highly popular vegetable known for its stark red colour. It gives nutrition from both root and leaves. The beetroot greens are rich in calcium, iron, Vitamins A and C. Beetroot is a very good source of fibre, manganese, potassium and folic acid. Both the greens and roots are a good source of phosphorous, magnesium, iron and Vitamin B6. The iron and magnesium in beetroot enhance blood production and circulation.
9. Sesame Seeds
Known as the oldest source of oil, Sesame is extremely beneficial for kids. It has many benefits like:
• Super rich in protein
• provides high energy
• good source of calcium
• rich in unsaturated fats
• offers liver protection
• helps in healing wounds faster
• loaded with antioxidants
10. Garlic
In Indian cooking, garlic is used as main ingredient in various cultures. It is consumed in the form of chutney and pickle too. Since it’s very pungent, it’s best to give it in smaller quantity and cooked with other spices and condiments. It has numerous benefits like:
• It heals respiratory disorders like cough and cold faster
• It kills harmful bacteria in stomach that cause infections
• It cures gastric disorders. Garlic could be combined with honey and given.
There is nothing more nutritious and beneficial for your baby if you give your baby home cooked food. It’s free from preservatives, chemicals and it’s loaded with love. If you are short of time, then there are so many baby food makers available in the market that will do the job.
I hope you found this article useful. Leave a comment below and tell me which is your superfood for your baby? Which ones from the above do you give to your baby?
Also read how yoga can make your kids strong and healthy.
Ref:
https://www.parents.com/recipes/entertaining/holidays-special-occasions/the-nutritional-benefits-of-eggs/
http://www.nutritionaustralia.org/national/resource/nuts-health-and-kids
http://www.daburhoney.com/benefits-of-honey/honey-for-health/benefits-of-honey-for-kids.aspx
https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/why-should-you-consume-jaggery-gur-in-winter-1767990
http://enrichingyourkid.blogspot.in/2009/09/health-benefits-of-beetroot.html
