Importance of health and nutrition in children

Getting enough calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and D through proper nutrition is guaranteed. If a teen participates in sports, follows a particular diet, has an eating issue, they may require even more nutrients.

“Adolescents need more nutrients than adults because they gain at least 40 percent of their adult weight and 15 percent of their adult height during this period. (Jacob and Nair 2012).1”

Inadequate nutrition during the first 1000 days of a child’s life can also result in stunted growth, which is linked to cognitive impairment and poorer performance in school and the workplace.

Importance of health and nutrition in children:

• it boosts a child’s ability to fight off infectious diseases,
•   promotes healthy brain and other organ development, and
•   enhances their level of activity and cognitive ability.

As per WHO, “In the first 2 years of a child’s life, optimal nutrition fosters healthy growth and improves cognitive development. It also reduces the risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing noncommunicable diseases later in life. Advice on a healthy diet for infants and children is similar to that for adults, but the following elements are unique to infants and children.”

Healthy eating during for a healthy childhood:

• Parents and other adults who are responsible for children should set a good example for healthy eating, drinking, and physical activity.

• Provide fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean proteins, water, and sugar-free refreshments as well as healthful snacks and beverages.

• Schedule family dinners.

• Encouraging your child to help with meal preparation, grocery shopping, and cooking.

How to promote a healthy diet?

According to WHO, “Diet evolves over time, being influenced by many factors and complex interactions. Income, food prices (which will affect the availability and affordability of healthy foods), individual preferences and beliefs, cultural traditions, as well as geographical, environmental, social and economic factors all interact in a complex manner to shape individual dietary patterns.”

The measures of healthy eating habits:

The ideal eating routine for a child’s growth and development takes into account the child’s age, level of activity, and other factors.

Nutrient rich food is defined as having little to no added sugar, saturated fat, or salt and is high in nutrients. Children can acquire the nutrients they require while consuming fewer calories overall by focusing on nutrient-dense foods.

The diet should include nutrient-dense foods:

• Dairy: Inspire your child to consume fresh dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese. Dairy products also include fortified soy beverages.
• Protein: Select lentils, beans, peas, soy products, seafood, unsalted nuts and seeds.
• Fruits: A variety of fresh or dried fruits should be consumed by your youngster. Try to consume fresh juices and freshly cut fruits. Remember that one serving of fruit equals 1/4 cup of dry fruit. And it is advised to soak dry fruits before consumption.

• Vegetables: Several fresh veggies should be offered. Each week, select peas or beans together with green vegetables. Use vegetables that are lower in salt when making your selection or add less salt to the prepared curries.
• Grains: Choose whole grains like oatmeal, popcorn, quinoa, brown or red or locally sourced brown rice, whole-wheat or multigrain chapatis, porridge etc.