Child Diet health

The Importance of Vegetables in a Child’s Diet

All of us know how vital it is to include fruits and vegetables in our daily diet. Throughout the day, we perform a lot of activities and to keep our body on the rig

Vegetables are enriched with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Children should be encouraged to have an array of vegetables in their daily meals. The added advantage is that there are various colors of vegetables available so, you can try different things and experiment with your child’s palate from a very young age. These are the following benefits of vegetables for kids:

  • Promotes great health and protects against diseases.

  • It ensures the child’s healthy growth and development.

  • Strengthens the child’s immunity and helps to fight illnesses. Studies have proven that the nutrients found in fruits and vegetables can prevent chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases.

  • The high-fiber content in vegetable aids in proper digestion and thereby reduce the possibility of constipation in children.

  • Vegetables make your child’s diet healthy and gives him/her sustainable energy.

  • Vegetables can be cooked in different ways and their nutrient value still remains intact.

More facts on including vegetables for kids in their diet

Vegetables are a powerhouse of vitamins A to K. They are enriched with minerals that your child’s body requires through the growing years. Refer to the list below for some nutrient related information.

  • Dark colored and green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins A, B7, B9, and K.

  • The calcium absorption rate is higher in vegetables as compared to dairy products. Some options of vegetables which are rich in calcium are – spinach, broccoli, green beans, and Chinese cabbage. Calcium is a must for strengthening the bones and teeth in children.

  • The calorie content in vegetables is relatively lower, so you do not need to fret if your child eats too much.

  • Vegetables are also rich in minerals like copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium and sodium.

  • There are some vegetables like Artichokes, avocados, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and carrots which are rich in potassium.

Vegetables Child eat

Essential vegetables for kids

You can give all types of vegetables to your child unless he is allergic to any particular vegetable.

  • Orange and yellow vegetables like bell peppers and carrots are rich in vitamin C. They are also rich in calcium and magnesium which is vital for bone growth. These vegetables need to be given in abundance to children from a very young age itself.

  • Green vegetables are the superheroes of all the vegetables. They are rich in iron.

  • Root vegetables like carrots, beets, parsnips, onions, sweet potato, radish, ginger, garlic, and celery are loaded with nutrients as they absorb them directly from the soil.

  • White colored vegetables such as cauliflower, garlic, mushrooms, white onions, turnips, white corn, and shallots are great in dealing with ailments due to hormonal imbalances. Include more of these in your child’s diet when they are in their teens as most of the hormonal changes begin at that age.

Vegetables are no doubt a very important part of a child’s diet due to the host of health benefits that they carry. Introduce them to your children at a very early age so that they get used to the taste and develop the habit of eating vegetables.

Leave a Reply