Protein for kids

Dr. Pravin Kasliwal is Child specialist in Nashik, Says your kid requires proper food that involves vitamins, proteins and carbohydrates for their development. Kids need protein in their regular food for mental and physical growth. Thus it is so vital to have a well-balanced diet for your child and includes protein. Protein is the most important macronutrients needed for growth, development, and sustenance. It is made up of amino acids, which are of two types –

1) Essential amino acids

Non-essential amino acids are generated by our bodies and do not require to be obtained from food.

2) Non-essential amino acids

Essential amino acids are termed as essential as the body cannot produce them so have to be obtained through diet.

Thus we need to give our children foods rich in protein.

How much protein do children need?

Here is the daily basis of protein for a child at different ages:

1. 0 to 12 months of age: 9.1 grams of protein every day

2. 1 to 3 years of age: 13 grams of protein every day

3. 4 to 8 years of age: 19 grams of protein every day

4. 9 to 13 years of age: 34 grams of protein every day

Benefits of protein for your child

Protein is one of the most important nutrients required during the development years of the baby. You should understand and learn about the foods rich in protein and thereby keep a tab on the protein consumption of the kid and ensure that the necessary amount of protein is received by the child daily. Here are some benefits of protein –

1) Built muscles

Proteins are the building blocks for the growth of the musculature of your baby. Proteins thus help in building muscles of the body and are necessary to be taken during the growth and development of the child.

2) Grow new cells

Proteins aids in the develop of new cells in the body. It helps in the regeneration of tissue, blood replenishment, heals wounds and also regulates the growth of hair and nails.

3) Boost metabolism

Enzymes and hormones in our body are produced up of protein and these hormones and enzymes boost the metabolism of your child.

4) Strengthens immunity

Proteins act as antibodies and help in fighting against bacterial and viral infection thus supports the immune system of your kid.

5) Good for blood

Proteins help in the production of haemoglobin which is an essential component of blood. Hemoglobin helps in carrying oxygen to all parts of the body.

6) Proteins are Calorie mines

Carbohydrates are used to produce energy by the body. Proteins can be used by the body to get calories and provide energy in case of a shortage of carbohydrates in the body.

These were some of the benefits of protein for kids.

Now here is a list of foods rich in protein that you should include in the diet for your kid.

Foods rich in protein

1) Dairy products

These include milk, milk products, cheese, butter, curd, yogurt and cottage cheese. These are a rich source of protein and are easily available.

2) Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein and can be given to your baby. A hard-boiled egg or omelet for breakfast is good for your child to start a day.

3) Meat

Strong meat items such as skinless chicken are rich in protein. Make tasty chicken curry or a chicken starter that will provide ample protein nourishment and good taste to your child.

4) Plant-based proteins

These are good for those who are strictly vegetarian. Plant-based proteins include peanut butter, soy milk, tofu, nuts, legumes, soy yogurt and seeds. You can prepare different tasty items of these foods and can serve them to your child.

Looking for the best Paediatrician in Nashik for your kid, then Pushp Hospital is one of the best childcare hospitals in Nashik. Dr.Pravin Kasliwal Paediatrician in Nashik

provides , medical care to the children who required to do surgery in coordination with the family of the child