5 Power Foods to Feed Your Children

These days, we are permanently learning new things about food's disease-fighting abilities. If you are involved about improving your children's nutrition, try to combine the following five tasty power foods into their diet as much as possible.

1. Blueberries - These appetizing berries are full of anthocyanin, a phytochemical that helps fight cancer, inflammation and protects the heart. They also consist of fiber, vitamin C and folic acid. Buy them fresh or frosty and add them to your kids' yogurt, cereal, pancakes or smoothies.

Food And Dessert

2. Oats - Oats consist of more soluble fiber - which helps lower cholesterol and keep your children's tummies fuller longer - than any other grain. They are also a good source of fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium and B vitamins. Serve oatmeal for breakfast or a snack (sweetened with fruit or a bit of maple syrup), make a parfait with berries and yogurt, or bake low-sugar oatmeal cookies.

3. Tomatoes - Tomatoes consist of lycopene, which studies show may help combat cancer, lower high blood pressure and keep the immune ideas healthy. They are also full of vitamins C and A. Feed your children cooked tomatoes for best lycopene absorption. Serve tomato sauce over whole wheat pasta or salsa with baked, whole wheat pita triangles. And yes, now that reduced-sugar and no-salt versions are available, even ketchup is good for them!

4. Yogurt - Unless your children have milk allergies, feed them this power food that contains live bacteria to keep their digestive ideas wholesome (lactose intolerant children can often eat yogurt with live cultures as well). Yogurt is also a good source of protein and calcium for building strong muscles and bones. Add low-sugar or plain yogurt to fruit smoothies, or serve it with fresh fruit, granola, or other whole-grain cereal, for a wholesome snack or dessert.

5. Nuts and Seeds - Nuts and seeds consist of lignans, which help cut cholesterol and are also full of protein, fiber and wholesome fats. Walnuts are especially grand due to their high attention of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Give a handful of nuts or seeds to your children for a snack, or sprinkle them on salads for a crunchy treat.

5 Power Foods to Feed Your Children