Including Quinoa To Your Kids Diet? Know All About Its Nutritional Benefits

Parents often face the fear that their kid is not getting enough vitamins and nutrients through diet. They focus a bit more on the supplement side to fulfill the adequate number of vitamins and nutrients. While there are various healthy and nutrient rich foods that can be added to a kid’s diet for the proper intake of vitamins and nutrients

Quinoa is one of them, it has recently gained a good spotlight as people have started to search for nutritious and whole grain foods to add to their kid's diet. Many calls quinoa the optimal super grain because it is loaded with protein, fiber, antioxidants, and numerous other nutrients. Of course, it is easy preparation and fluffy texture make it ideal for about any mealtime. Quinoa is gluten-free and packed with nutrients like protein, zinc, fiber, and folate, as well as antioxidants. Quinoa does not take long to prepare, and you can add it to your diet in both sweet and savory dishes.

It is a versatile food that can be easily added to kids’ diet. Read on and know more about quinoa and health benefits for kid’s:

Quinoa For Kids

Quinoa is rich in carbohydrates to provide quick energy, protein for the essential building blocks of growth, and fiber to help kids gut microbiome flourish and balance blood sugar levels. 

It is also packed with zinc, folate, and vitamin B6, iron and plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. These are important nutrients that kids need for healthy blood, and cognitive development. 

Quinoa is full of antioxidants and polyphenols as well, nutrients that help improve the body’s resilience and recovery.

Here Are Some Reasons Why Quinoa Is Important In A Kid's Diet:

• High In Nutrients

  

Kids need foods that can help them reach the proper levels of nutrients. Quinoa is a good source of nutrients, like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Just one cup of quinoa contains 13 grams of protein, which is higher than most other grains. It also contains iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B6, which are important for healthy growth and development in children.

• Gluten-Free

Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, which makes it a good alternative for children who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Some parents prefer to give kids food that is low in gluten, in this case quinoa is a good option. It gives them the necessary nutrients and is low in gluten.

• Low Glycemic Index

Quinoa has a low glycemic index, which means it does not cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. This makes it a good option for children with Type 1 diabetes or those who need to manage their blood sugar levels.

• Helps with Digestion

Quinoa is a good source of dietary fiber and contains 14 gms of it, which promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. It also contains saponins, which are natural compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

• Versatile

Quinoa is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, stir-fries, and baked goods. It has a mild, nutty flavor and a fluffy texture that is appealing to children.

• Prevent Anemia

  

Kids who are fussy eaters or do not eat enough iron rich food can experience anemia. Iron-deficiency anemia is often associated with fatigue, paleness, dizziness, brittle nails, and weakness, among other symptoms. Dietary sources of iron like quinoa, leafy greens and red meat are conducive to building up this essential mineral in the body.

How To Add Quinoa To Your Diet

Quinoa is incredibly versatile and makes it a fantastic addition to the kids’ diet, including breakfast. This nutrient-dense superfood can be easily incorporated into a wide variety of dishes. Just a single serving of this Quinoa & Chia Oatmeal Mix packs 6 grams of fiber to fuel kids throughout the morning. The options for including quinoa in your diet are endless - it can be used in everything from salads and soups to casseroles and baked goods, here are few ways to add it into your kid’s diet:

1. Mix quinoa with oats and chia seeds to make a delicious, warm breakfast that will give you lots of energy to start your day.
2. Blend it into a smoothie with pineapple, banana, honey, and almond milk
3. Make a delicious Quinoa Veggie Burger for kid’s lunch.
4. Stir it into a spicy peanut soup as a dinner appetizer, such as this Quinoa Peanut Soup.
5. Plan nutritious breakfast with these Baked Broccoli-Cheddar Quinoa Bites.

Quinoa is an important food to include in a kid's diet due to its high nutrient content, gluten-free nature, low glycemic index, and digestive benefits. It is a super food that can be beneficial when added to their diet. It is also an excellent grain option for kids with celiac disease. Whether you give it as a side dish or incorporate it into different recipes for your kids it is just an excellent choice for meal.