Starting early with good food can do more than just fight obesity. It can also help your child develop better, grow stronger and live longer as an adult. One thing that science is telling us more and more is that there are certain foods that are essential for building immunity. This means that feed your child well and she just may avoid all of the stomach viruses, respiratory infections and other illnesses that are rampant among play dates, preschool and day care this winter.
Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are plant nutrients that have been shown to have the ability to stimulate the immune system and help us fight off viruses. Some of these nutrients can even fight off bacterial and fungal illnesses as well.
Eating these foods will give your toddler or preschooler a chance at a solid immune system. They work in two ways, by inhibiting viral growth and my stimulating your child’s immune system to act quickly and efficiently.
Kids can be picky, so try to re-offer these foods over and over again. Some of these foods can be cooked into sauces as well, making them easier to include. Starting early with these foods can also help make them a normal part of your child’s diet. I put garlic or onions in practically every savory dish, and it is never hard to get my children to eat any type of fruit. If a child refuses a food one way after many tries, see if you can prepare it differently. For example, my children don’t like raw tomatoes but will eat them in a sauce.
Here is a list of foods with phytonutrients: Garlic, Onions, Scallions, Leeks, Avocados, Spinach, Tomatoes, Asparagus, Oranges, Strawberries and Watermelon. Try to incorporate foods with phytonutrients as often as possible. Serving them at least once a day is ideal.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.
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