The age-old adage tells us that "we are what we eat." Although this is not possible in the literal sense, what we eat does directly affect our level of health. Unhealthy foods will undoubtedly lead to health problems while healthy foods contribute to good health. Eating healthy foods is an important habit at any age, but it is a particularly important one for children.
Significance
From to birth to age 18 and sometimes beyond, children's bodies are continuously growing. Eating healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are essential to their development because of the vitamins and minerals contained in these foods.
Recommendation
The USDA recommends that children consume a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables. In addition, limiting their calorie consumption to an appropriate level and paying attention to portion sizes helps children maintain a healthy weight.
Benefits
Fruits and vegetables provide a range of nutritional benefits, states the USDA. Vegetables contain vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamins A and C, potassium and dietary fiber. Many vegetables inhibit the development of high blood pressure and increased cholesterol. Vegetables also aid in keeping skin healthy and supporting healthy vision. Fruits are an equally beneficial source of nutrition. Fruit does not contain any form of cholesterol. Fruit often contains significant amounts of dietary fiber which can aid a child in digesting other foods. Eating both fruits and vegetables can prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases and cancers.
Considerations
No vegetables is recommended as "best," General consumption of fruits and vegetables is equally important. Parents should determine which fruits or vegetables their child likes and find creative ways to prepare them. This prevents the child from getting bored and refusing to eat his vegetables. Natural fruit and juice blends containing fruit and vegetables can constitute a serving of fruits or vegetables. These juices can be used in conjunction with standard servings to meet the daily five-serving recommendation.
Solution
Introducing fruits and vegetables into a child's diet in earlier years gets him acclimated to eating them and can prevent finicky eating habits in later years.
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