Moms
raising preschoolers turn to experts for advices, especially on
matters concerning the health of their kids. It is at this stage
when kids start to develop their personalities and a keen
perception of their environment. Preschoolers with active bodies
need the proper energy boosters to help ensure that they grow up
healthy and resilient.
Wyeth, makers of Bonakid Pre-School, has been
a constant companion of mothers. The company produces quality
nutritional supplements and it also guides moms in raising
strong and confident children. It recommends checking the
dietary intake of kids. The following are some of the basic
nutrients that should be included in a preschooler’s diet to
ensure proper growth and development:
Protein. Protein is an essential part of
a preschooler’s diet because it ensures the child achieves
optimal growth. It is needed to build and maintain muscle,
blood, skin, bones and other organs in the body. The best
sources of protein include beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs,
dairy products and legumes. According to the recommended energy
and nutrient intake, preschoolers four to six years old require
38 grams per day.
Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates help a great
deal in building the body strength by generating energy. It is
the chief provider of energy to enable kids to carry out
physical tasks effectively and efficiently. Foods that are rich
in carbohydrates include rice, corn, wheat, cereals, potatoes,
yams and starchy roots.
Fats. Fats play a vital role in
maintaining healthy skin and hair, insulating body organs from
shock and a host of diseases as well as promoting healthy cell
function. These fuel the body and help absorb fat-soluble
vitamins (A,D,E,K). Kids need a certain amount of fat in their
diet so the brain and nervous system develop correctly. Oil,
butter, nuts, meat, fish, and some dairy products are prime
sources of fats.
As preschoolers explore the world around
them, they also become exposed to various communicable diseases
in the environment. Active children are prime targets of germs
and other harmful disease-causing microbes and without a strong
immune system, they can become sickly and miss out on the fun of
growing up. Being constantly confined indoors due to ailments
may have an effect on a child’s social skills. A balanced intake
of the following nutrients will help boost the immune system of
preschoolers:
Beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is widely
known for supplying the body with anti-oxidants that protect the
cells of the body from damage and enhance the function of the
immune system. The richest sources of beta-carotene are yellow,
orange, and green leafy fruits and vegetables such as carrots,
lettuce, tomatoes, and squash.
Zinc. Zinc is an essential mineral that supports a
healthy immune system. It also supports normal growth and
development of children and is needed for wound healing. Red
meat and poultry are the best sources of zinc, as well as beans,
nuts, certain seafood, whole grains, cereals, and dairy
products.
