Kid Stuf

A majority of children do not get adequate amounts of fruit and vegetable and thus lack vital vitamins and minerals. Such deficiencies depending on its intensity could affect children’s academic performance, growth levels, their health and sometimes even result in them overly aggressive behaviour patterns.

Here are a few items that MUST be included your child’s meals in order to ensure a ‘balanced diet’:

– Bread, rice, pasta and other such starchy foods
– Fruit and vegetables – the more they eat, the better
– Protein-rich food – fish, meat, eggs, lentils, beans
– Yoghurt, milk, cheese and dairy products – ensure that these are consumed daily

Here are the most essential vitamins and minerals that your child should be getting in his/her meals everyday:

Vitamin C – Synthesizing collagen and blood vessels, brain functions, effective antioxidant, iron absorption

Vitamin A – Healthy skin, teeth, production of pigment in the retina of the eye – good eyesight, antioxidant

Vitamin D – Absorption of calcium into the body Sunlight

Iron – Formation of blood cells which aid the transportation of oxygen in the body

Folate – Production of new cells

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) – Efficient functioning of the brain, mental health, functions of the immune system Oily fish, Flax oil
Calcium – Formation of bones and teeth, regulation of muscle contraction, assistance towards normal clotting of blood

Fibre – Healthy bowel movement patterns

Water – Prevents dehydration and constipation