"Conditions like heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes could be prevented if we start teaching our kids better nutrition from day one," says Robert Pomahac, DC, founder of MaxHealth (maxhealthla.com), a holistic health center in Los Angeles, and father of two young boys. Combining his professional knowledge and dad experience, Pomahac explains why these are his top 10 superfoods for kids:
- Avocado: A great source of good fats, which aid a child's development and growth.
- Eggs: Versatile, easy to prepare, and rich in protein and choline, which is vital for brain development.
- Seaweed: Chock full of iodine, necessary for healthy thyroid function but often in short supply.
- Açai berries: High in healthy fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants, and tasty in a kid's morning smoothie.
- Fiber: Kids need between 19-38 grams per day, to slow absorption of sugar and keep intestines clean, but most aren't getting enough-easy to add to a fruit shake.
- Cottage Cheese (full fat): One cup contains 9 grams of fat (which doesn't make kids fat), concentrated protein, vitamin B12, plus calcium and phosphorus, important minerals for building strong bones.
- Nut Butter: Delicious almond, cashew, walnut, or hazelnut butters provide protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that help prevent cancer.
- Bananas: Yummy and rich in potassium, good for healthy blood pressure, arteries, bones, and the heart.
- Spinach: An excellent source of iron, calcium, folic acid, and vitamins A and C-all great for growing bones and brains.
- Sweet Potatoes: Packed with vitamins B, C, and E, calcium, potassium, iron, and fiber, as well as complex carbohydrates to keep energy levels stable.
Written by vera-tweed for Better Nutrition and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.