We all know that we can fix the most nutritious meals possible, but getting our children to eat them is often another story. That causes many parents to worry if their children are getting enough nutrition. What do children really need to maintain good health? Basically nutrition for children is the same as for adults. We all need vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein and fat. The difference for children is the amount of these needed at different ages. As children get older they require more calories and larger amounts of food from each of the healthy food groups. If you really have a picky eater and are worried about the nutrition he or she is getting, you may want to consider a good quality multi-vitamin designed for children.
The Essentials for Children’s Nutrition
Part of making sure your children are getting the right nutrition is in what they don’t eat. Just as for adults, refined sugars, processed foods, unhealthy fats and simple carbs are not healthy choices. They do need fats, but it should be healthy fats, like monounsaturated. Nuts, olive oil and avocados are good fat choices. Essential fatty acids are necessary for growing bodies and brains. Omega-3 is a very important essential fatty acid for growing brains, hearts, nervous systems, skin, joints, tissues and the immune system. Foods such as coldwater fish, nuts, seeds, healthy oils and AFA bluegreen algae are good omega-3 sources. Protein is also important for growing bodies either from meat sources such as grass-fed beef, chicken, pork and turkey or non-meat sources like milk, eggs, tofu, and beans. Another basic for child nutrition is calcium and vitamin D for strong bones, teeth and immune system health.
Other Nutrition Concerns for Children
Since children spend a lot of their time in school, they are exposed to a variety of childhood illness and germs. A strong immune system can help cut down on school absences due to illness and help children fight off many bacteria and viruses. Probiotics such as acidophilus and bifidus not only help with digestion and nutrient absorption, but also support immune system health. Getting extra vitamin C and zinc when “bugs” are present at your child’s school can help boost their white blood cells which are another important part of the immune system.
Just as for adults, eating AFA bluegreen algae is another way to make sure children get enough of the right nutrition. AFA bluegreen algae provides:
- all 20 amino acids, providing a complete source of protein in an amino acid profile nearly identical to human breast milk
- essential fatty acids, including Omega-3 and Omega-6 in the right balance
- phenylethylamine (PEA), the mental energy activator
- powerful antioxidants, such as chlorophyll, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and phycocyanin
- dozens of essential vitamins (including B12), minerals, and trace elements
- an ideal balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, complex sugars, and fiber.
For proof that AFA bluegreen algae supplements give children the nutrition they need for physical growth and cognitive development, consider a study done with malnourished children in Nicaragua. This study began by looking at the fact that malnutrition affects a great many children and families in Nicaragua. More than half of the deaths of children there are due to malnourishment. Malnourishment in children also causes school problems such as lack of ability to focus, poor attendance, participation and performance. The Nicaragua Report from 1995, reports the effects of AFA bluegreen algae on the nutritional status and school performance of 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders in Nicaragua. 1 gram of an AFA supplement was given to a group of these students every day for six months. The study observed and charted physical appearance, nutritional status, school attendance, behavior and academic performance. At the end of the six month period, the children being fed AFA bluegreen alage showed significant improvement in all areas, while the children in the control group continued to show worsened conditions.
Making sure your children get the nutrition they need doesn’t have to be all that hard. The internet is full of fun recipes and ideas that will appeal to children to encourage them to eat fresh fruit, vegetables, complex carbs and healthy fats. Do a little research to find ones you can make for your children or that they can help make themselves. You can also just not buy sugary soft drinks, chips, candy and other unhealthy snack foods to have around the house all the time. Save things like that for an occasional treat instead of a regular part of your child’s diet. Finally do a little research or check with your health care provider to learn how much of each food group your child should be getting for his or her age and if you find the diet lacking consider adding a dietary supplement like a multi-vitamin or AFA bluegreen algae.
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