Kids are growing, learning and developing rapidly. A healthy diet with proper nutrition is essential to support their rapidly growing bodies and brains. It sets a strong foundation to grow up healthy and strong.
Besides, proper nutrition can also improve your little ones’ cognitive performance during their key learning years. It fuels their brain, helping them to stay focused, sharp, more alert and perform better while learning.
Take a look at the essential nutrients that your children need in their rapid-growth stage.
Protein
- Protein is crucial for your kids’ growth and development, as it is the building block of body tissues. It helps to build, repair and maintain muscles and other tissues.
- Food source: Poultry, fish, eggs, milk, etc.
Vitamin A
- Vitamin A is the key vitamin for good eyesight, preventing myopia. Sufficient vitamin A intake allows your little ones to see well at night, as it helps their eyes to adjust to light changes.
- Food source: Carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, etc.
Vitamin C
- Vitamin C is well-known of its ability to strengthen immune defence, leaving less sick days. It is important to help your little ones replenish their vitamin C every day as this water-soluble vitamin will not be stored in their body.
- Food source: citrus fruits, mangos, tomatoes, etc.
Calcium
- Calcium is essential in building healthy bones and teeth for your kids as they grow. It helps build a strong foundation for their lifelong skeletal health, which helps guard against osteoporosis in the future.
- Food source: Milk, cheese, yogurt, broccoli, etc.
DHA
- As the building block of brain cell membranes, DHA supports brain growth and development. It empowers your children’s journey of discovery by boosting their brain power and enhancing memory.
- Food source: Fish, nuts, vegetable oils, etc.
Dietary fibre
- Other than keeping your kids full, dietary fibre helps promote healthy bowel functions. It keeps the food moving in their digestive tract, which helps in preventing constipation.
- Food source: Oats, wholegrains, vegetables, fruits, etc.
Start providing your kids with healthy balanced meals to ensure that they are getting all the essential nutrients that they need in their peak developmental years.
