Fruits and vegetables benefit children in many ways, including better nutrition, reduced risk of obesity, and improved school performance, but most children do not get the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day. . According to an Ohio study, only 22% of toddlers and preschoolers and only 16% of 6- to 11-year-olds meet government recommendations. Half of children's meals should be filled with fruits and vegetables to reap the benefits.
What are the Benefits of Fruits & Vegetables for Children?
Children's growing bodies need good nutrition, and fruits and vegetables contain a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and other healthy compounds. Citrus fruits and strawberries are rich in immune-boosting vitamin C, carrots are full of eye-friendly vitamin A, and spinach is a good source of iron, a mineral that helps prevent anemia. According to DrGreene.com, apples contain 16 different polyphenols, which are antioxidants with health-promoting properties. Eating fruits and vegetables in rainbow colors will provide a wide range of nutrients that will help keep children healthy.
Low Obesity
Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber but low in fat and calories. Encouraging children to eat fruits and vegetables instead of sugary snacks and high-fat fast foods can help children avoid obesity. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, 16% of children ages 6 to 19 are overweight, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, respiratory problems and depression. A US Department of Agriculture study of 3,064 children between the ages of 5 and 18 found a link between higher fruit intake and a healthy body weight.
Digestive Health
High-fiber foods, such as fruits and vegetables, help the digestive system to function properly. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, constipation in children can often be relieved by eating more fiber-rich prunes, apricots, peaches, peas, beans, and broccoli. When fiber passes through the digestive system, it absorbs water and expands, leading to regular bowel movements and relieving constipation.
Better School Performance
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables regularly can improve school grades. According to a study of Korean adolescents published in 2016, regular consumption of fruits, vegetables, and milk contributed to high levels of academic performance. In contrast, regular consumption of fast food, sweets and soft drinks had a negative impact on school performance. The researchers noted that other studies have shown that diets high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates negatively impair brain function, while fruits and vegetables help support healthy brain function.
Tips
To increase your fruit and vegetable intake, shop with your children and let them prepare vegetable and fruit dishes. A child who prepares green beans himself may be more likely to eat them, notes an article by Elizabeth Cohen, CNN's chief medical correspondent. Include pureed vegetables in your children's favorite foods and put children's shelves in the refrigerator with bags of vegetables and fruits and glasses of fruit. Buy organic if you can. If cost is a factor, be selective in purchasing organic products, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends. The most important thing is whether or not children eat organic fruits and vegetables.
0 Comments