Making healthy food choices for our kids goes a long way in building their strength and immunity. However, the real challenge is getting our kids to eat the right kind of foods. Protein is one of three main nutrients required by our body; carbs and fat being the other two. It is the building block of our body. If you are a vegan/vegetarian then meeting daily protein requirement of your child can be difficult. Peanut butter can be your go-to solution for the same.

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Introducing Peanut Butter: 

Peanut butter is prepared from dry, roasted peanuts. It’s a great source of protein, B vitamins, iron, folic acid, and fibre. Two tablespoons of peanut butter contain 28% of the RDA of protein for children under the age of 10. However, it is a high-risk food for babies under one year as the risk of developing allergies is quite high at this age. It is recommended to start after the age of 1½ years. By this age, the digestive and immune system grows strong enough to subside any adverse reaction.

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Health Benefits of Peanut Butter for Children: 

• Improved physical development:

  Peanut butter is loaded with protein that builds and strengthens the muscles in your ever-growing child. Daily consumption keeps the supply of protein in check, hence reducing growing pains.

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• Boosts immunity:

  It helps in developing immunity. It has Reservatol which will help your child in fighting diseases and infections.

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• Strengthens nervous system:

  Peanut butter has potassium that helps in building a strong nervous system. It also keeps the heart healthy.

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• Rich in dietary fibre:

  2-tbsp peanut butter contains about 2 grams of dietary fibre which keeps the digestive system healthy and regulated.

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• Healthy brain development:

  Peanut butter has ample Omega3 fatty acids which are best for your child’s brain development. Regular consumption of peanut butter will ensure the regular supply of Omega3. If you are looking for vegan/vegetarian alternative of fish and cod liver oil, then peanut butter is your answer.

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• Rich in vitamins and minerals:

  Peanut butter is also laden with vitamins and minerals like riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B-6, vitamin E, folate, iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and sodium. Each of these vitamins and minerals is crucial in the physical and mental development of your child. It also helps the body in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins.

http://maaofallblogs.com/2017/02/simple-things-that-work-when-it-comes-to-the-nutrition-of-your-kid.html/

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• Fights food cravings:

  The perfect combination of protein and fibres will keep your child feeling full for a longer duration. This will make them less likely to become hungry often, eat unhealthy and untimely.

http://maaofallblogs.com/2015/11/why-you-fall-off-your-dietand-how-to-get-back-on-it.html/

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5-Minute Peanut Butter Recipes for Your Child

 

• Spread it on whole-grain toast for a quick and healthy breakfast
• It tastes great with roti or paratha. Just spread the peanut butter on roti or paratha evenly and make a roll
• It tastes delicious as the centre filling in cupcakes and muffins. You can put a dollop of peanut butter as a sweet topping on freshly cooked pancakes
• Add it to smoothies, especially chocolate or banana-flavoured smoothies.

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This post is submitted by Surbhi Mahobia is an HR professional turned into a full-time blogger. She loves reading books but never thought that she has the caliber to write and choose writing as her profession. She is a Mass Comm post-grad and lives with her husband and two beautiful children at Delhi-NCR. She works from home, but not to be confused with the “comfort of my home”. When you have kids, you are never comfortable, even at your home (if you know what I mean!). Her blog www.prettymummasays.com was chosen as the Best Blog – Mom Blog Category in BlogRock Awards 2017.

 

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