4 foods that help children "grow up quickly"
Understanding the types of nutritious foods that are beneficial for children's growth will help parents create the best menu for their children.
Egg
Eggs are considered a complete source of protein containing all the essential amino acids. Eggs also contain vitamin A and other important vitamins.
Recently, a randomized controlled clinical trial on 160 babies aged 6-9 months in Ecuador, conducted by Dr. Lora LI's group, Washington University (USA), showed that 1 egg per day for 6 months can support poor growth in children.
How many eggs can a baby eat a week?
- Children 6-12 months old can eat 1 egg yolk per day.
- Children from 1 to under 5 years old can eat 1 egg/day.
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| Photo: Wanita Indonesia |
Recommended ways to cook eggs:
- Overweight and obese children should eat boiled eggs. If you eat fried eggs, you should eat less than 50% of your meals a week with eggs.
- Underweight children should eat fried eggs in more than 50% of their total egg-containing meals each week.
- For children with normal growth, parents can use fried eggs and boiled eggs, there is no priority order.
Mackerel
Mackerel provides the right amount of omega-3 DHA/EPA fats for your child’s brain development. Other fish in this group include salmon, carp, and river eel.
In addition, mackerel is also rich in calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin A. However, dried fish/fish floss loses vitamin A during processing.
Recommended uses of fish:
Normally, a meal should have 80-120g of processed meat and fish, 4 meals/week can provide enough omega-3 for children's growth.
Underweight children can add 10-50g of fish and meat to their regular meals, 3 days a week and maintain for 3 months to support their growth.
Overweight, obese or normal growing children: No special instructions.
Moringa leaves
Moringa leaves are rich in calcium, iron, vitamin A and protein. According to Dr. Michaelsen K., University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Moringa leaves can be used in the menu to support the growth of children under 5.
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| Moringa leaves have high nutritional value. Photo:Pinterest |
- A child's fist is the amount a child can eat in one meal.
- On a moringa branch, you should choose leaves from the middle to the tip.
- You can prepare it by cooking or boiling it, mincing it and sprinkling it on eggs or food.
- For children with slow growth, parents can use it 2-3 days (2 meals/day) alternating during the week, for 3-4 months.
Avocado
In 100g of avocado flesh there is high energy (167 kcal), fat content (15.4g) and protein (2g). In 15.4g of fat, 2/3 is monounsaturated fat - a good fat for children's development. Dr. Michaelsen K also includes avocado in the list of good support in the menu for underweight and poor growth children.
Recommended uses of avocado:You should use ripe avocados, combined with ripe bananas in your child's snack. This is an effective energy support for underweight children. Maintain this menu 4 days a week, continuously for 4 months.
