Immunity-Boosting Foods For Babies And Kids - We are already dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and we have been worried sick about getting infected and are kids getting infected as well. With the onset of monsoon season, more infections are going around like dengue or malaria or a common cold, which means that the chances of kids getting one of the viral infections is high.
We should take the right precautions for COVID-19, but you cannot be safe from common cold or malaria/dengue as they don’t care if you are inside your home. They can attack you anytime, and thus, keeping your kids safe this is essential, now more than ever.
Therefore, trying to increase the immunity of your child is imperative right now. It doesn’t guarantee that your kid won’t get sick, but it can ensure that the body is powerful enough to fight those infections.
Here are several food items that can help you increase your kid’s immunity. Let’s check them out.
1. Almonds
This dry fruit is a superfruit as it contains manganese and vitamin E, they both are known for their immune-boosting power and for enhancing the activity of natural cell killers. Here are the ways to make your child eat almonds
Recipes:
- Almond Milk (1 year+)
- Almond Powder (8 months+)
- Almond Halwa (1 year+)
- Almond Cookies (1 year+)
- Almond Muffins (1 year+)
- Almond Milkshake (1 year+)
2.Turmeric
This spice is known for its healing properties in India. It has an active agent known as curcumin which is rich in antioxidants. Turmeric helps with healing, inflammation, and is also an immune booster spice. It is best to use this spice daily in your recipes(at least a pinch).
Recipes:
3.Yogurt or curd
Yogurt/Curd is full of probiotics that help with our immune system. You can easily make yogurt/curd at home, Make sure the curd/yogurt has low or no sugar as sugar if buying in stores as it can decrease your immunity level. Do avoid giving curd to your child if the kid has a sore throat though.
Recipes:
- Curd Rice (8 Months+)
- Curd Oats (8 Months+)
- Curd Khichdi (8 Months+)
- Curd Poha (8 Months+)
- Dahi Chura (8 Months+)
- Mango Lassi (8 Months+)
- Cucumber Lassi (8 Months+)
- Strawberry Lassi (8 Months+)
- Blueberry Smoothie (8 Months+)
4. Leafy vegetables
The best food for immunity boosting is leafy vegetables. They are rich in nutrients like Vitamin A, C, K, calcium, magnesium, beta-carotene, and more. Also, they help fight infection and keep the body healthy.
Try to include foods like spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, broccoli, and more into your kid’s diet.
Recipes:
5. Ginger, onion, pepper, and Garlic
They have flavonoids which help with building immunity. Different active agents in all three help with seasonal illness and also cancer. The best way to use them is to use them liberally while cooking up any dish.
Recipes:
- Tomato Rasam (8 Months+)
- Pepper Rasam (10 Months+)
- Pepper kulambu (1 Year+)
- Dry ginger milk (1 Year+)
- Garlic Milk (1 Year+)
6. Eggs
Eggs are low in calories and are the natural source of vitamin D. If your body has low vitamin D, it is more susceptible to illnesses. Also, it has other nutrients like selenium.
Recipes:
Top 22 Egg recipes for babies, toddlers, and kids
7. Fruits
All fruits are great for boosting immunity, and berries are a part of them too. Make sure your kids eat all seasonal fruits, and apple, and papaya especially.
Recipes:
- Fruit salad and fruit custard (1 Year+)
- Fruit Smoothies(1 Year+)
- Fruit Dessert (1 Year+)
- Fruit Jam(1 Year+)
- Fruit Purees (6 Months+)
- Fruit Milkshakes (1 Year+)
8. Sweet potato
Sweet potato is enriched with beta-carotene and also has vitamin c. It helps the body increase the number of white blood cells in the body, which helps fight infections.
Recipes:
Sweet potato recipes for babies, toddlers, and kids
9.Oats
Oats are fulfilling and rich in fiber. The beta-glucans can help activate killer cells which keeps our body safe from viruses and bacteria and other infections.
Recipes:
Oats recipes for babies, toddlers, and kids
10.Fish and meat
They are rich in protein which helps muscle building. It also activates white blood cells which are critical for fighting infections.
Recipes:
Non-veg recipes for babies, toddlers, and kids
Boosting the immunity of your children and yourself is imperative for better safety and healthy life. Make a planner in which you can add your daily recipes for your baby that includes all these immunity-boosting foods.
Author Bio:
Kavita is an Outreach Specialist cum Content writer. When not glued to her laptop, she can be found making travel plans that rarely happen 😉 Connect with Kavita on Twitter @dreamerkavita
Vinni
Surprised to see oats as an immunity booster.