Superfoods and kids

The term superfood is in fashion, but ... what are superfoods? A superfood is one that due to its nutritional properties can provide health benefits, either due to its content of antioxidants, vitamins, etc. But are they curative? Will they give iron health to the little ones in the house? Absolutely not, the factors that intervene in people's health are many: in addition to diet, genetics, physical activity, environmental factors also influence ... It is important to remember that no food consumed in isolation is capable of curing any disease, nor will it provide health by itself. rather, they must be consumed within a balanced diet along with other healthy foods.

• No food consumed in isolation is capable of curing any disease, nor provide health by itself, but must be consumed within the framework of a healthy diet.
• Dried fruits They are a great option for their energy intake, for helping to maintain the musculoskeletal system thanks to calcium and phosphorus, and for their high fiber content.
• Fruits and vegetables stand out for their fiber, photochemical substances such as vitamin C, E, beta carotenes, flavonoids ... all powerful antioxidants with great preventive power against constipation, hypertension, obesity, etc.

Key foods for its growth

Yes, we can say that there are foods with very interesting properties that can help maintain good health and are key to their growth and development. It is the case of:

Childhood is a time when eating habits are established, so following a healthy diet with the little ones, where all these great foods are present, will help them grow up in good health and maintain good habits in their age adult

• in our country it is the healthy fat par excellence. It provides oleic acid (monounsaturated fatty acid) in 75% of its composition, although it also contains linoleic and linolenic acid. The distribution of these compounds is the closest to optimal, according to the American heart Association. In addition, it provides vitamin E and beta-carotene, both powerful antioxidants. Its benefits include its cardioprotective effect, regulator of blood pressure, as well as preventive of diseases related to oxidation and cellular aging, such as degenerative diseases and certain types of cancer. Fats participate in cell formation, so it is ideal to use olive oil for cooking and seasoning.
• source of protein, high-quality fats (both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically omega 6), fiber, antioxidants, a large number of B vitamins, vitamin E and minerals such as magnesium, calcium and phosphorus, among others . Ideal for children because of the energy supply, because they help to maintain the musculoskeletal system, and because of their high fiber content. In addition, several studies show the relationship between the consumption of nuts and the reduction of obesity and diabetes. Special attention should be paid to offering crushed or crushed products to children under three years of age because of the risk of choking. A daily handful is recommended.
• They are an excellent source of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. Ideal for preventing constipation, hypertension and even being overweight (as long as they are cooked avoiding saturated fats - sausages, butter ... -). It is a very versatile food that can give a lot of play in the dishes of the little ones: it can be part of a main dish such as lentils with rice or a lentil salad, accompany a second dish, for example some white beans sautéed with garlic or served as a snack in the form of hummus. It is advisable to consume between 2-4 times a week.
• Vegetables and vegetables: They are ideal to hydrate the body, if they are fresh and seasonal they are even better to maintain all their nutrients and health benefits. Vegetables and vegetables stand out for providing mainly vitamins, minerals and fiber. In addition, they provide a significant amount of antioxidants that make them essential in any healthy diet. They help reduce the risk of diseases, including degenerative diseases, etc. Several studies show that the consumption of vegetables and fruits is insufficient among children and adolescents, so it is important to enhance their consumption to achieve optimal growth. They must be present at lunch and dinner, for which it is convenient to present them in an appetizing and attractive way, taking advantage of their various colors.
• Fruit: Like vegetables and greens, they are essential foods to maintain good health. They stand out for their contribution of sugars, fiber, photochemical substances such as vitamin C (present especially in citrus fruits), vitamin E, beta-carotenes, flavonoids ... all powerful antioxidants with great preventive power against diseases such as constipation, hypertension, obesity, etc. They are important for proper development so setting an example by eating 3 pieces of fruit a day will be the best way to make them like it. They can be part of salads, offered between meals or as desserts.

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