Zinc is known to be a powerhouse nutrient. It’s an important mineral for fighting off illness, keeping your heart and liver healthy, preventing digestive issues, and even growing muscles.
Zinc is basically a trace element that is necessary for a healthy immune system. It assists with the function, creation, and repair of our DNA – the building blocks for every cell in the body.
Zinc deficiency in children can lead to growth impediments and increased risk of infection. Hence it’s important to include zinc in your child’s diet plan, in order to contribute to the overall development of your child’s health.
How to Get Enough Zinc
Normally, zinc deficiency is due to insufficient dietary intake. In order to meet this need, you need to serve your child a balanced diet that includes zinc-rich foods.
Here is a list of food items that’s rich in zinc:
Shellfish: E.g. Oysters, prawns, crabs, mussels and shrimp can all contribute to your daily zinc needs.
Fish: Sardines, salmon
Meat: Chicken and turkey
Dairy Foods: Milk, yogurt, cheese – especially ricotta
Nuts and Seeds: Cashews, walnut, peanuts, pumpkin seeds
Beans: Green beans, kidney beans, baked beans, chickpeas
Vegetables: Mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, kale, onions, ginger, garlic
Your food choices do impact your body. Hence it’s important to prepare a proper nutrition plan for kids as well. However, if you are facing difficulties in making proper food choices, ensure you consult a child nutrition specialist.
A qualified nutritionist will not only provide you a guide to the number of serves to include from each food group but will also help you and child inculcate healthy eating habits to live a healthier and happier life.
Kanupriya Khanna is one such child nutritionist in Delhi who gives honest, clear and concise advice on how and what to eat. For more information on Kanupriya visit: https://kanupriyakhanna.in