Nutrients are essential for the physical and mental growth of babies. These 5 foods are ideal for your baby because they are full of essential nutrients, delicious, easy to prepare, and available at very reasonable prices.
Credit to iStockA study from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that babies require a variety of healthy foods. Babies don’t eat much because of their tiny tummies, so it’s important that their diets contain plenty of nutrients. From vitamins-rich fruits and vegetables with proteins, these superfoods are full of essential nutrients.
There are lots of healthy, baby-friendly foods out there but these 5 superfoods are recommended by doctors and dieticians because they are full of essential nutrients and delicious.
Avocados: Avocados contain a wide range of nutrients and one of the highest protein contents of any fruit may have various health benefits. These include improving digestion, lowering the risk of depression, preventing bone loss, supporting heart health, and protecting against cancer. Make sure you only serve baby-ripe avocados. Wash the outside, then remove the peel and mash well.
Credit to iStockLentils: Lentils are high in fiber, which supports regular bowel movements and the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Lentils are made up of more than 25% protein, which makes them an excellent meat alternative. They’re also a great source of iron, a mineral that is sometimes lacking in a vegetarian diet. Eating lentils can increase your stool weight and improve your overall gut function.
credit to iStockPrunes: A prune is a firm-fleshed fruit (plum), they are rich in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. Prunes are also rich in potassium, a mineral that helps your muscles, nerves, and heart function properly. Eating four to five prunes gives you about 280 mg of potassium or around 12% of your daily recommended intake. Prunes are helpful in the management of several health conditions.
Winter Squash: Winter squashes are uniquely beautiful with ribbed or bumpy skins, irregular shapes, and vibrant colors ranging from yellow to orange to dark green or even multi-toned. Rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, lower the risk of eye and digestive problems, and have a positive effect on blood sugar which can help keep appetite in check.
credit to iStockBroccoli: Broccoli is a true superfood for babies, thanks to high amounts of vitamin C, beta-carotene, folic acid, iron, potassium, and fiber. Boiling broccoli in water cuts its vitamin C content in half, so it’s best to steam or microwave it. If your baby isn’t keen on the taste of broccoli, mix it with a sweet-tasting vegetable, such as sweet potato or butternut squash.
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