14 Immunity Boosting Foods for Kids
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- Last update: 13 November 2023
Immunity Boosting Foods for Kids
Table of Contents
ToggleAre you concerned that your child is frequently sick? Here are 13 superfoods that will naturally and easily be immunity boosting foods for kids.
Does your child seem to attract every bug that passes through your neighborhood? Is it always the case that your child misses a few days of school when the weather changes?
There is no need to feel alone! The fear of having a sick child is among the first worries for parents when their kids are often ill. Most often, this occurs due to low immunity, which may be impacted by a number of factors, including diet.
What is Immunity?
The word immunity refers to the body’s capacity to fight off infections and thus prevent illness. Immunity refers to the body’s structures, processes, and organs specifically designed to fight infections.
Protecting the body against infection is the role of the immune system. Microbes, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, that invade our bodies every day are identified and destroyed by this process. One of the most important steps in achieving resistance to disease is strengthening the immune system.
Don’t reach out for artificial supplements just yet if you’re thinking of increasing your child’s immunity. The immune system of your child can be strengthened naturally in many ways so that it can withstand a wide range of common infections.
The following are immunity boosting foods for kids that boost the immune system in kids, regardless of the season.
Please note that if the immune system of your child is severely compromised, you should consult your pediatrician.
Leafy Vegetables
Green leafy vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, parsley, kale, lettuce, and especially spinach help to prevent and fight infections. They can be considered as immunity boosting foods for kids. Aside from the many vitamins, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and other micronutrients found in leafy vegetables, they are also high in minerals and micronutrients. The antioxidants such as beta-carotene and the carotenoids they contain are beneficial for the immune system as well.
Pumpkin
Vegetables in the squash or pumpkin families are packed with antioxidants, Vitamins A, C, manganese, magnesium, and folate, all of which help build and boost the immune system. When it comes to vegetable Pumpkins are one of the best immunity boosting foods for kids. Vitamin A is found in pumpkins in a staggering amount of 24% of the daily requirement.
Citrus Fruits
There is a well-known fact that citrus fruits like oranges, limes, and guavas are rich in Vitamin C, which is helpful for increased immunity, and antioxidants. Include citrus fruits in the baby’s diet as an immunity boosting foods for kids. Furthermore, citrus fruits help the body absorb nutrients such as iron and support a strong immune system.
Berries
Berries are one of the most powerful superfoods when it comes to boosting immunity, and any grocery list of superfoods would be incomplete without them. The blackberry family includes strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cranberries. These antioxidants, along with phytochemicals and flavonoids, help increase the immune system and fight inflammation as well.
Pulses
The proteins, fibers, folate, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and potassium in pulses and lentils make them valuable for your health. In addition to being one of the easiest ways to obtain protein, they are essential for the health of all your bodily systems. Phytochemicals, plant substances that support the body’s ability to fight chronic illnesses, are also found in lentils.
Sprouts
While sprouting all food groups increases their health benefits to a great extent, sprouting spices up these health benefits. Sprouting not only increases the bioavailability of hidden nutrients but also makes them easier for the body to absorb. Sprouted Ragi Powder is one of our sprouted food products that you can use to get the benefits of sprouts.
Curd/Yogurt
There are plenty of healthy bacteria that are contained in curd and yogurt, contributing to gut health. It contains probiotics, which keep illnesses at bay by ensuring the gut ecosystem is balanced. Research suggests that curds and yogurt stimulate the immune system by stimulating immunostimulants. It is a good source of immunity boosting foods for kids.
Honey
Many health issues, including low immunity, can be addressed with honey’s antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It is important for your gut to be healthy, and honey’s antioxidant properties assist in removing free radicals from the body, which can cause serious illnesses.
Please note: Honey should not be given to babies under one year old.
Health Mixes
By going with all-in-one solutions like Health Mixes, picky eaters can make sure they get the benefits of immune-boosting foods. Our mixes have been specially formulated to satisfy the nutritional requirements of fussy toddlers and picky eaters. They are a blend of whole grains, lentils, nuts, seeds, and seeds. Yummy Valley’s millet health mix is a great alternative if you can’t make one at home.
Apricots
The anti-inflammatory properties of apricots are well known. Apricots contain antioxidants that help boost the immune system and help the body resist diseases. In addition to being high in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, they contain lots of antioxidants.
Garlic, Onions, and Ginger
Onions and garlic contain sulfur compounds that are believed to prevent cancer. These three plants all contain active compounds-flavonoids that boost the immune system. Onions contain a compound called Quercetin, while garlic contains an antibiotic called ampicillin. The compounds shogaol and gingerol are present in ginger. The addition of these compounds to foods can reduce the risk of seasonal illnesses.
Instead of using store-bought pastes, it’s always best to make your own fresh pasta out of garlic and ginger. Among their health benefits are digestion, keeping gastritis at bay, and enhanced heart health.
Turmeric
In your kitchen, turmeric is one of the most effective medicines and nutritional supplements. Since ancient times, this spice has been used for its health-promoting properties. Curcumin is also found in Turmeric which acts as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial component. All these health benefits make it an immunity boosting foods for kids.
Root Vegetables
A number of root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, yams, and potatoes, work to strengthen the immune system and assist the respiratory system. They absorb a large number of nutrients from the soil since they are grown underground. Root vegetables contain a significant amount of soluble and insoluble fiber. They support a healthy gut environment. A substantial amount of vitamins, minerals, and fiber is contained in root vegetables, which aids in building the immune system.
Sweet Potatoes
Immunity boosting foods for kids such as sweet potatoes have a lot to offer. In addition to potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and beta-carotene – vitamins that help prevent cancer and fight free radicals – sweet potatoes are loaded with the antioxidant beta-carotene. The naturally sweet taste of sweet potatoes is what makes them a preferred food for babies over other vegetables. The smooth texture of mashed sweet potatoes makes it easy for babies to eat, even if they have just started to transition to solid foods.
Conclusion
Breast milk is a superfood from the very beginning. During the first six months of your baby’s life, it contains everything he or she needs to thrive and continues to be the main nutrient in his or her diet until about one year of age. If your child is under 6 months old, do not feel obligated to start feeding them the superfoods listed in this guide. Having a conversation with your pediatrician about solid food introduction is another topic that is very important. Try new immunity boosting foods for kids and share your suggestions