All parents want to do the best thing for their children. For most parents, that includes feeding them healthy food that they will enjoy. Eggs are packed with nutrients and deliver many of your child’s nutritional needs. Here are five benefits of eating eggs for children.
- High in protein
Protein is vital for healthy growth and development. Eggs keep kids feeling fuller for longer, and maintain good energy levels. Both the egg whites and egg yolks contain protein. In addition, protein can help regulate and maintain a healthy weight.
- Packed full of nutrients
Eggs are a source of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium and folate. These nutrients work to build healthy bodies and can keep your growing child healthy and happy.
- Good source of vitamin D
With eggs, you have a natural source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for bone formation and bone health. Vitamin D also boosts your childs’ immune system and wards off illness.
- Support eye health
It’s never to early to work on eye health. Eggs provide lutein, zinc, vitamin A and zeaxanthin. These vitamins and antioxidants are beneficial for eye health. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two antioxidants that work to keep eyes working well. In addition, vitamin A promotes eye health.
- Keep growing brains at their best
Eggs contain choline, a nutrient that is responsible for neurological development and memory. Eggs can help kids retain more information and do better in school. You will also find Omega-3 fats in eggs. These are fats that support early brain development and cognitive function.
How to prepare eggs so that your kids will love them:
Here are some ideas on how to incorporate more eggs into your kids’ diet. You can also include your child in the cooking process, this often makes them more interested in the final result!
- Scrambled eggs are generally a crowd pleaser
- Add chopped up boiled eggs to potato salad
- Omelettes with cheese, try to add some finely sliced spinach.
- Fried eggs, made in novelty shapes with cookie cutters
- Devilled eggs
- French toast- a classic crowd pleaser!
- Dippy eggs and soldiers: a soft-boiled egg with toast.
- Scrambled egg wrap
For parents worried about egg allergies, this type of allergy is relatively uncommon. Most children with egg allergies outgrow the condition by the age of four. Eggs are a suitable choice for children with gluten sensitivities, are sugar free and most children with food issues can easily eat eggs.