Table of contents:
- A myriad of benefits chia seed for children
- 1. Good for the growth of teeth and bones
- 2. Healthy heart
- 3. Rich in protein
- Recipe chia seeds which the child likes
- Mix fruit yogurt and chia
Almost all parents would agree that providing children aged six months and over healthy food is one way to meet children's nutritional needs. One type of food that fits into that category is chia seed . What are the benefits chia seed for children?
A myriad of benefits chia seed for children
Chia seed is a grain that comes from a desert plant, viz Salvia hispanica . Even though they are small, these chia seeds have health benefits, especially for children.
As reported from the page Academy of Nutrition Dietetics , chia seed is a good source of omega 3 acids for the body. In fact, your child can also meet their fiber needs by consuming it chia seed because every 2 tablespoons contains 10 grams of fiber.
Here are some of the benefits chia seed for your child.
1. Good for the growth of teeth and bones
One of the benefits chia seed for children is to help facilitate the growth of teeth and bones. This is because it is deep chia seed contains calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and protein which are good for both growth.
In fact, chia seeds are also said to contain higher calcium than other dairy products. Therefore, chia seed suitable for your child who may be allergic to dairy products so that their calcium needs are met.
2. Healthy heart
Apart from helping the growth process of teeth and bones, benefits chia seed for other children is a healthy heart.
As reported from the page Harvard T.H Chan , 60% of the oil in chia seeds contains omega 3 acids. Omega 3 acids have been shown in both human and animal studies to have healthy benefits for heart health.
Starting from being able to lower cholesterol, prevent excessive blood clots, to maintain a rhythmic heart rate and blood pressure.
Hence, it is possible chia seed is a good choice for children who suffer from fish allergies because the source of omega 3 acids mostly comes from marine animals.
3. Rich in protein
Not only calcium and omega 3 acids, chia seed also has other benefits that are good for children, which is rich in protein.
For every 28 grams of chia seeds, 4 grams of protein can control hunger and help repair damaged muscles. Even, chia seed including containing complete protein, namely nine essential amino acids that cannot be produced by the body.
Therefore, chia seed is a type of grain that is healthy enough for your child to consume because the complete protein content is beneficial for health, such as:
- Reducing the risk of obesity because it can maintain a stable child's weight
- Makes hair and skin look more radiant.
Chia seed may be of good use to your child. However, keep in mind that babies and toddlers may find it difficult to digest whole grains like chia.
You just need to start off slowly with giving chia seeds to children in small portions. For example, sprinkle the seeds as much as a teaspoon or two over their diet and increase the portion as they age.
Recipe chia seeds which the child likes
After knowing what are the benefits that can be obtained from chia seed for your child, processing it also requires its own skills so that children can consume it.
Mix fruit yogurt and chia
Source: Uproot Kitchen
One of the recipes chia seeds which is quite popular with children is yogurt with a mixture of fruit and sprinkles chia seeds on. Apart from getting nutrients from chia seeds, children also get vitamins from yogurt and these fruits.
material:
- 800 grams of chia seeds
- 400 ml thick coconut milk
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 salt
- 1/4 liquid vanilla essence
Fruit required:
- Apples to taste
- Pineapple to taste
- Strawberry to taste
- Mango to taste
- Pears to taste
Toppings:
- Granola to taste
- Strawberry to taste
- Honey or berries to taste
Yogurt:
- Mango and strawberry flavored yogurt or according to taste.
How to make:
- Mix all the first ingredients, including the chia seeds, and stir until they are thickened so that they resemble yogurt.
- Let stand for 5 hours in the refrigerator.
- Cut the fruit that is already available like cubes or according to taste.
- When the chia thickens, stir it briefly. Then, add the chia mixture to the bottom layer of the glass.
- Top with mango flavored yogurt, place the chopped fruit, and put the strawberry flavored yogurt on top.
- Sprinkle granola and some berries or you can sprinkle some honey on top.
To add to the benefits of chia seeds for children, mix yogurt, fruit, and chia seeds as a dessert. Good luck.
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