Less than 15% of kids eat the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables! Fruits and vegetables are chock full of important vitamins, trace minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants. With all that children do – school, after school activities, friends, family and chores, it’s essential they stay healthy and fit. Nutrition plays a major part in meeting this goal and supplementation can help.
Here are some key nutrients to look for in a supplement:
Vitamins and Minerals – your body needs a powerful team of vitamins and minerals to stay alive. Vitamins and minerals are responsible for the complex processes that occur in your body. They help produce thousands of hormones, enzymes and other chemical messengers your body uses to work just right. They may also help fight infection and prevent disease.
Phytonutrients – the term “phyto” originated from a Greek word meaning plant. Phytonutrients are certain organic components of plants and these components are thought to promote human health. Fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and teas are rich sources of phytonutrients. Unlike the traditional nutrients (protein, fat, vitamins, minerals), phytonutrients are not “essential” for life, so some people prefer the term “phytochemical”.
Antioxidants – antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage may lead to certain diseases. Antioxidants interact and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals might otherwise cause. Examples of antioxidants include beta-carotene, vitamins C, E, and A and other substances found in fruits and vegetables.
Other important nutrients are DHA for brain and eyes, choline for brain support.
Sources: American Dietetic Association, Understanding Nutrition, National Cancer Institute, and USDA.
Here are some key nutrients to look for in a supplement:
Vitamins and Minerals – your body needs a powerful team of vitamins and minerals to stay alive. Vitamins and minerals are responsible for the complex processes that occur in your body. They help produce thousands of hormones, enzymes and other chemical messengers your body uses to work just right. They may also help fight infection and prevent disease.
Phytonutrients – the term “phyto” originated from a Greek word meaning plant. Phytonutrients are certain organic components of plants and these components are thought to promote human health. Fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and teas are rich sources of phytonutrients. Unlike the traditional nutrients (protein, fat, vitamins, minerals), phytonutrients are not “essential” for life, so some people prefer the term “phytochemical”.
Antioxidants – antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage may lead to certain diseases. Antioxidants interact and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals might otherwise cause. Examples of antioxidants include beta-carotene, vitamins C, E, and A and other substances found in fruits and vegetables.
Other important nutrients are DHA for brain and eyes, choline for brain support.
Sources: American Dietetic Association, Understanding Nutrition, National Cancer Institute, and USDA.