10 Reasons Why Choosing Healthy Nutrition Is Important for Children
Eating healthy is an absolute necessity. This is essential for children as it will benefit their growth and development. However, good habits are sometimes overlooked and as the parent, it’s crucial to understand the positive correlation between healthy eating and growth.
Supplementing your little ones with healthy food can be challenging especially with the hustle and bustle of work. It is necessary nevertheless and one of the best ways to stay on track is to remind yourself about the importance of healthy eating.
Here are 10 reasons why you should implement a healthy diet for your children.
1. Healthy Development
A growing child needs a sufficient amount of nutrient dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, protein and grains. This will support their overall growth and ultimately help them develop better. This is especially important between the time of birth to age five.
Healthy development will furnish your child with the fundamental building blocks for social, educational, emotional and physical needs. So if you want your child to develop better, make sure you pack them a nutrient rich meal!
2. Nourishes the Brain
Children need a nutritious diet to fuel their brains. From learning about new things to being attentive in school, the brain takes up a lot of energy and food can enhance their brain function. This will also help them process the world better as they grow up.
Healthy brain food is rich in vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant that refuels the brain with glucose. This includes food such as fish (watch out for bones), eggs, oatmeal and vegetables.
3. Stronger Immune System
It’s fairly normal for children to catch colds but it shouldn’t be a normal occurrence. Nutritious food will strengthen your child’s immune systems, helping them develop strong antibodies against bacteria and viruses.
This can be achieved by increasing their fruit and vegetable intake. Fruits and vegetables have a range of healthy properties which can boost the immune system. It can also reduce the risk of chronic diseases which takes us to the next point.
4. Reduces the Risk of Chronic Diseases
Nobody wants to contract life altering diseases, period. This includes cancer, heart diseases, diabetes and stroke. Implementing healthy eating at a young age can drastically decrease the chances of contracting these diseases.
Although children are attracted to unhealthy food, you as the parent have the authority to limit the calories and sugar they consume. Hardwire your children into healthy eating by putting emphasis on the risk of life threatening diseases.
5. Improves Mental Health
Mental health is just as important as physical health in this day and age. According to studies, children with healthier diets have better mental health and overall wellbeing. So what does eating have to do with mental health?
Nutrient rich foods will keep your children mentally sharp and focused. It sets them up for fewer mood swings and helps keep their self esteem intact. This will also reduce the tendency to become anxious or depressed once they are older.
6. Healthy Body Weight
Food contributes to weight and eating nutritiously will promote healthy weight gains. Children should stay within their recommended weight range to prevent unhealthy gains and obesity.
Nutritious food will help with appetite control and it’ll make it easier for your children to control their weight. Having a balanced weight will also fuel a positive body image, building your children’s confidence and self esteem.
7. Improves Digestive System
Gut health is imperative and having a good diet is one of the best ways to improve your children’s digestive system. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and it’ll keep your child’s digestive system running smoothly.
It’ll also prevent constipation and as with the previous point, help your child maintain a healthy body weight.
8. Strengthens Bones
There’s a whole range of healthy foods that are great for building strong bones – milk, orange juice, yogurt, fish and many more. When it comes to children, milk is probably the best source of calcium. It’s easy to consume and children are naturally attracted to it.
If your child is lactose intolerant, you can always substitute milk with non dairy products such as almond or soy milk. All in all, having strong bones is important for children as they’ll have a better chance of avoiding bone weakness once they’re older.
9. Supports Muscle Growth
A strong healthy kid is the product of a nutrient rich diet. Protein based food such as fish, lean meat and beans are great for building muscles. Muscle growth is an important aspect of a child’s development as it makes them strong.
It’ll also improve coordination and fine motor skills so they can take on increasingly complex tasks. On top of that, it gives them the energy to engage in physical activities which takes us to the last point.
10. Stable Energy
Running, climbing and exploring are a normal part of growing up. They promote a healthy childhood by helping children learn and develop. Nonetheless, kids need the energy to conduct these activities and a good diet is the best way to refuel them.
Carbs and protein will give your children high energy levels, allowing them to go about their daily activities with enthusiasm and confidence.
Conclusion
A healthy diet is essential especially for children. Parents should always encourage a healthy eating routine as it has a ton of benefits. From promoting better development to strengthening their immune system, a nutritious diet can create strong, healthy and confident children.
Last but not least, healthy eating should be a consistent process so try not to falter. Always remind yourself about the importance of healthy eating and how it benefits your children. That should get you right back on track!
