Capture kids' interest to teach them about vitamins.
A CNN report in August 2009 stating that 70 percent of children suffer from vitamin D deficiency has suddenly shifted more focus on child nutrition. Teaching children the importance of vitamins, which can be obtained from diet alone, is key in ensuring not only a healthier childhood but also a better adulthood.
Vitamin A
Carrots are rich in vitamin A.
Kids, especially preteens and teenagers, are conscious about their skin. Tell them that eating foods containing vitamin A (like yellow- and orange-colored fruits, eggs, liver and fortified milk) are a great way to keep their skin healthy and glowing. You can also tell them how they can improve their vision and avoid night blindness by consuming vitamin A.
Vitamin B
Green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin B.
Children are intrigued by the science behind bodily functions and processes. Make use of this fact and explain to them how the food is broken down into tiny particles and absorbed into the body with the help of vitamin B. Vitamin B also helps the nervous system in the production of oxygen carrying red blood cells. Encourage children to eat whole cereals, poultry and leafy vegetables to get their vitamin B.
Vitamin C
Citrus fruits have vitamin C.
Citrus fruits are not just tasty but also rich in vitamin C. Give your child an orange or cantaloupe and inform her how it will help her gums from bleeding and give her stronger bones.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D can be produced by the body in sunlight.
Tell your child how he can lose a tooth or break his bones more easily when he falls if his body is deficient in vitamin D. The sunshine vitamin is produced by the body in sunlight and can be obtained from fortified milk and cereals, liver and egg yolk. Encourage your child to play in the sun at least 15 minutes every other day.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is needed for red blood cell production.
Explain to your kid how the body is made up of tiny cells and how these cells are protected by vitamin E. It also helps make red blood cells. Vitamin E can be obtained from whole grains, leafy vegetables and nuts and seeds.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is found in broccoli.
Capture your child's interest by bringing his attention to the fact that blood stops flowing and clots within minutes after a bruise or cut. Tell him how essential vitamin K is for this purpose. Vitamin K also helps keep bones strong. Although the body can make vitamin K, it can also be obtained from milk and milk products, soybean oil and broccoli.
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