The arrival of summer, in addition to bringing us bright sunshine and a joyful holiday atmosphere, also brings a golden opportunity for our children to grow and develop. In TCM, summer is regarded as the "bone turning period" for children, which is a critical period for the rapid development of their bones, and it is especially important to supplement with adequate nutrition. As a parent, understanding and seizing this opportunity to provide your child with the right nutritional support can help them achieve a leap in height this summer.
During this energetic season, children's bodies especially need calcium, as well as other key nutrients that boost them, to support their bone growth. Calcium is the building block of bones, and a lack of calcium not only affects height gain, but can also lead to health problems such as osteoporosis. Therefore, adding calcium-rich foods to children's daily diets is a strategy that every parent should consider.
Today, I'm going to introduce four foods, each of which is an excellent source of calcium, but also rich in vitamins and minerals, which are essential nutrients that support healthy bones and overall growth. Not only are these foods highly nutritious, but they are also easily accepted by children and can be incorporated into their diets in a variety of delicious ways.
1. Tofu (Tofu Wild Blood)
Tofu, a seemingly simple ingredient, is actually an excellent source of calcium. Made from soybeans, it is not only rich in plant-based protein, but also rich in calcium, which is an important material for building bones and teeth for fast-growing children. The soft texture of tofu makes it an ideal ingredient in summer, whether served cold or cooked, and is suitable for all tastes.
In addition, tofu contains a lot of magnesium and iron, minerals that can aid in the absorption and utilization of calcium. In the hot summer, preparing a light tofu dish for children can not only meet their nutritional needs, but also increase the diversity of the table, so that children can enjoy delicious food while also growing up healthily.
2. Kombu (cold salad kombu knot)
As a sea vegetable, kelp's unique nutrient profile makes it one of the ideal ingredients for summer. Not only is it rich in iodine, but it also contains a lot of calcium and magnesium, which are important elements for promoting bone health in children. The high-fiber texture of kelp also helps keep your child's digestive system healthy.
Consuming kelp can help regulate your child's body water balance, especially during the hot summer months, and can effectively prevent heat stroke. Incorporating kelp into your child's daily diet in the form of cold salad or soup can not only enrich the table, but also help your child get enough calcium during the "bone turn" period to promote healthy growth.
3. Fish (cold fish skin)
Fish is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, which is a key factor in helping the body absorb calcium.
For children, eating fish regularly not only strengthens bones, but also strengthens the immune system and promotes brain development. The omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish are also extremely beneficial for heart health.
In the summer, cooking a delicious fish dinner is not only a great way for the whole family to enjoy fresh and delicious seafood, but also a good point for your children's development. Whether it's grilled fish, steamed fish, or fish soup, it's a great way to provide your child with quality nutrition.
4. Fu Bamboo (凉拌腐竹)
Yuba, or dried tofu, is made by compressing tofu, so it has a higher protein and calcium content than regular tofu. This soy product is not only nutritious, but also extremely easy to absorb, making it ideal for fast-growing children. The variety of cooking methods of yuba can also meet the different needs of children for the texture and taste of food.
In the summer, yuba can be added to soups or stir-fried with vegetables to add more nutrients to children's daily diets. At the same time, it can also help children get enough calcium during the critical period of growth, ensure healthy bones, and support their energetic growth.
By incorporating these four nutrient-dense ingredients into your child's summer diet, we are not only helping them replenish their essential calcium, but also ensuring that they receive comprehensive nutritional support during this critical period of development, helping them grow up healthy and happy!