Importance Of Nutrition For Kids.

The most essential consideration for good health in body and mind for kids is nutrition. It
cannot be overemphasized how vital good nutrition is for kids.

Every rupee which is spent on nutrition during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life a country can be provided with
up to Rs 100,000 in future earnings. The returns on investments which are made in nutrition actually have high
benefit-cost ratios.

There are typically stunted growth patterns by the age of three in kids who are undernourished during the first 1,000
days of their lives. By the time these kids are three they generally have poorer cognitive skills than their well
nourished peers. When these kids become adults they are less educated, earn lower wages and experience more health
problems throughout their lives.

Good nutrition in childhood produces people who can contribute more and help to enhance economic growth. Over the course
of an adult’s working life we can anticipate that one rupee which is spent on early childhood nutrition will benefit in
low- and middle-income countries.

The nutrition has always been an important development indicator. Healthy growth and development of kids is possible
with good nutrition. Inadequate nutrition is a primary contributing factor to child mortality. Good nutrition is also
vital for good cognitive development and therefore educational success. Both of these are important determinants of
labour productivity and hence economic growth.

If stunting can be lowered with better early nutrition we can improve quality of life not only for individuals, but also
for nations as a whole.

Enjoy a variety of nutritious foods from all the food groups  to eat healthy and stay happy. The 5
food groups on a plate, in the proportion that you should be eating them throughout your day. If you eat a variety of
foods from each of these groups, your body will receive all the nutrients and vitamins it needs to function.

 The five food groups are:

• Dairy: the foods in this group
  are excellent sources of calcium, which is important for strong, healthy bones.
• Fruit: Vitamins, minerals,
  dietary fibre and many phytonutrients (nutrients naturally present in plants) are contained in the fruits and
  help your body stay healthy.
• Grain (cereal) foods:
  always choose wholegrain and/or high fibre varieties of breads, cereals, rice, pasta, noodles, etc. Refined
  grain products (such as cakes or biscuits) can be high in added sugar, fat and sodium
• Lean meats and poultry, fish,
  eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds: Our body uses the protein we eat to make specialised chemicals such as
  haemoglobin and adrenalin. Protein also builds, maintains, and repairs the tissues in our body. Muscles and
  organs (such as your heart) are made of protein.
• Vegetables, legumes and beans:
  vegetables should make up a large part of your daily   food intake and should be encouraged at every
  meal (including snack times). They provide vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber.

A prioritization of good nutrition for kids is therefore a good investment for the present and the future of kids and
their countries.

While the above article guides you to eating healthier, there is no substitute for customized professional advice given
by a qualified nutritionist. We urge you to speak to your personal dietician or if you need help, contact a nutritionist
at Qua Nutrition.

You can contact us at 080 3232 9292 or log on to www.quanutrition.com to Book An Appointment.