By: During these times, health is of utmost importance and more so when it comes to the little ones in the house. As the weather changes and the world battles pandemic, immunity in kids becomes a focus area for all the moms out there. It’s no surprise that certain foods and food groups can help boost immunity in both children and adults alike. However, kids and toddlers can be picky at times and you may have to struggle at times to make them eat the right things. So here are 7 foods that can help boost immunity in kids and some fun ways to have the same!
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes and other orange foods are rich in beta-carotene that your body uses to convert to Vitamin A. This beta-carotene has antioxidant properties that help fight off infections in kids. You replace normal fries with sweet potato fries and use an air fryer to make it even more healthy. Sweet potatoes can also be baked or mashed to make for a delicious snack.
Watermelons
The best hydrating agent in summers is also rich in Vitamin A and C as well as antioxidants. This helps fight inflammation in the toddlers and keeps their immunity strong. Watermelon is also a delicious fruit that many kids love and can be served as a snack. If your toddler is a fussy eater, you can make watermelon juice with some mint and a dash of lime and salt.
Yoghurt
The probiotics in yoghurt help stimulate the immune system and strengthen the immunity in toddlers. And this delicious and healthy food can be easily made at home and is also available readily in any nearby store. Simply ensure that you choose low fat and no added sugar when buying yoghurt. Feeding yoghurt to the little ones is also easy as there many things that can be made with yoghurt – smoothies, yoghurt with fruits, yoghurt with honey and much more!
Dry Fruits
Dry fruits are good sources of protein and fat and help boost energy and immunity. And the best part? The little ones can have dry fruits as it is or even mix with other foods – you can mix dry fruits with frozen yoghurt or make a good mix of nuts and seeds for a quick snack.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a great source of many nutrients and helps boost immunity in children. It’s packed with Vitamins A, C and E and is also rich in antioxidants. However, we understand that the kids may not be too keen on eating their greens. So a good way to include broccoli in their daily diet is to make mixed vegetables, or cheese and broccoli poppers/cutlets that the kids will surely love with their favourite dip.Mushrooms
Rich in Vitamin D and antioxidants, mushrooms help build immunity in toddlers. And with their interesting shapes and delicious taste, the toddlers happily eat them up! If you’re wondering how to include it in the meal plan, you can look at whipping up soups, sandwiches or even a veggie salad of steamed vegetables and a delicious dressing.
Spinach
Needless to say, spinach is rich in Vitamins and minerals and helps boost immunity in toddlers. It is packed with Vitamin A, E, C and K along with zinc, iron, folate and much more! Spinach with its legendary association with cartoons is also greatly loved by the kids. You can include it in green smoothies or make spinach-cheese fritters and the kids will surely love it!
