Nutrition & Health is the Ultimate Wealth for Children

Investing in early childhood nutrition is a surefire strategy. The returns are incredibly high. -Anne M. Mulcahy

Nutrition is providing the food which is necessary for health and growth. To stay healthy and robust, children need proper nutrition. Appropriate nutrition assists children to have a healthy heart, mind, teeth, and bones. It increases energy and fosters growth, and plays a significant role in helping children lead a healthy lifestyle. For instance, if a child doesn't take good nutrition, they might become physically or mentally unwell. It could harm people who are around you as well as society. In addition to this, food and health should be taken care of, especially for growing youngsters.

Children need three meals a day. Now let's understand what should be composed of their diet. They should have a habit of eating a balanced diet. It consists of a gamut of different types of food and provides adequate amounts of the nutrients necessary for good health.
Now, what are nutrients? Nutrients are substances that provide nourishment essential for the maintenance of life and growth. There are six major types of nutrients: - Carbohydrates, Fats, Proteins, Vitamins, Minerals, and Water.

Let's understand them with relevant examples:

1) Carbohydrates: These are the body's primary sources of energy. They nurture children's brains, kidneys, heart muscles, and central nervous systems—for instance, corn, peas, brown rice, etc.
2) Fats: A small amount of fat is an essential part of a healthy diet. Fat is a source of fatty acids—Examples:-Butter, Oil, Nuts, etc.
3) Proteins: These play a crucial role in many bodily functions, including recovery and repair of tissues in the muscles, skin, organs, blood, hair, and nails—milk, Fish, Meat, etc.
4) Vitamins: Children need vitamins and minerals for growth, development, and good health, i.e. vitamins A, C, D, E, K, choline, etc.
5) Minerals: It assists children's bodies to grow and stay healthy—for instance- iron and calcium.
6) Water: keeps joints, bones healthy, helps the blood circulation. Drinking water revamps mood, memory, and attention in children.

Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.

The Food Pyramid visual represents how different foods and drinks contribute towards a healthy balanced diet. It permits individuals to choose foods and beverages from each shelf depending on their food preferences and calculate healthy eating. Eating the right amount from each food group is called eating a balanced diet.

Health is a relationship between you and your body.

Good health: A condition in which a person is mentally and physically free from diseases.

# Regular Playtime
# Maintaining a balanced diet
# Creating a positive home environment
# Spending time with nature
# Eating a mixed bag of Foods
# Drinking-Water & Milk
# Listening to Your Body
# Limiting Screen Time
# Being Active

By: Priyansh Gupta
Billabong High International School, Vadodara