As a parent, it is your goal to make sure your children are as healthy as possible while they’re growing. Unfortunately, many parents have chosen to allow the children to become obese through learned eating habits of the family. Although the number of obese children in the United States has begun to decline, there is still much that you can do to ensure a brighter future for your own. Feeding your children more berries now can impact his or her life in the future.
Illnesses – Most berries are heavy in vitamin C, one of the most prominent components to promoting a strong immunity system. Being resistant to various sicknesses can cause a ripple effect through a child’s life. Not only will this prevent him or her from feeling miserable, it can also lead to:
- Less time spent away from school – improving education
- Allowing more time spent with friends – improving social interaction
- Assistance in creating antibodies against various illnesses – reducing future contractions
- More time being spent on the child’s feet instead of bed – improving overall health
Anti-oxidants – A lot of people hear of anti-oxidants but don’t realize just how important they are for your future health. Most cancers are formed by damaged cells within the body. Free radicals that may be coursing through the body is what causes much of this damage. These oxygenated elements are consumed by anti-oxidants reducing the amount of damage these elements can cause on a body. This isn’t saying that overloading the diet with berries will make you children immune to any cancer, but it will greatly reduce the onset of future occurrences. In reality, many cancers can be prevented early by a proper diet.
Improved Skeletal Structure – As calcium is necessary for bone development, consuming a regular amount early on can help solidify the skeletal structure. Although this should be an ongoing practice, your children can begin to formulate resistance to breaks and injuries through calcium intake. Many berries possess great amounts of calcium as well as vitamin K, the material that helps calcium bond to the bone matrix in order to make them stronger. Although a later deficiency of calcium can lead to problems at an older age, your children can prevent a great deal of pain by consuming calcium now.
Higher Brain Functions – A variety of berries contain high amounts of magnesium. The human body uses this component for a wide range of purposes. Magnesium is used by the brain to promote higher functionality and protecting itself from neurotoxins in the blood stream. A healthier brain can do a great deal for a child later in life including the ability to retain knowledge learned through college. Not only will berries help in your child’s physical being, but it can help him or her in a mental capacity as well.
One serving of berries isn’t going to promote long lasting effects of those listed above. Like everything in life, it will take regular consumption in order to promote the healthiest outcome. There is nothing wrong with giving your child a chocolate bar for a snack periodically. It’s when it becomes a routine is when the problems begin. Provide your child with the most out of life by feeding them a healthier diet. It’s not just his or her weight that should concern you.
Ken Myers is a father of three and passionate about great childcare. He’s always looking for ways to help families find the support they need to live fuller, richer lives. Find out more about expert childcare by checking out @go_nannies on Twitter.