Children Grow Taller Foods: The 10 Best Foods To Help Children Grow Taller
Children Grow Taller Foods: Look to these edibles to provide proper nutrition to your child for optimal growth. Genetics determines 80% of the height of an individual. However, as per studies, environmental factors (like nutrition and lifestyle) may also influence the height of an individual in their growing years. Intake of foods that help kids grow taller may provide the much-needed boost to their growth.
While we cannot do much about genes, we can ensure to provide proper nutrition to kids to facilitate their growth. In this article, we have listed foods that can aid the overall physical development of your kid, may stimulate the production of the growth hormone, and aid bone growth.
Children Grow Taller Foods, Height is a non-modifiable factor, and the height of a child is mostly dependent on the parents’ height. If both the parents are tall, the child is likely to be tall.
Jesse Feder, Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital, says, “Kids can get taller naturally by consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet that is rich in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D.”
Children Grow Taller Foods, Children tend to grow in spurts and have a slightly increased growth rate between 6-8 years. About 25% of growth in height occurs during puberty. Two hormones contribute to this – the Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), which determine longitudinal bone growth and maintain bone mass. While there are no foods that increase height rapidly, they may help stimulate the production of the growth hormone and aid in bone growth.
Best Foods To Help Children Grow Taller
1. Eggs
Children Grow Taller Foods, Eggs are incredible sources of protein, riboflavini , biotin, and iron. Protein helps in cell growth and development. A study showed that malnourished children who were fed with a high-protein diet over a period developed more height compared to those who were fed with standard protein.
Egg white is a concentrated source of protein. Make sure to include eggs almost every day in your child’s meal. Having a yummy omelet or a boiled egg for breakfast is a great way to start their day and ensure they get proteins. However, check for any allergic symptoms using the 3-7 days trial rule.
2. Dairy And Dairy Products
Children Grow Taller Foods, Milk contains calcium and protein, which aid the growth of bones and also develop strength. Dairy products like cheese, yogurt, curd, and cottage cheese are abundant in calcium and vitamins, which are important for bone mineralization in children. Get your kids to drink milk every day or make dishes that are filled with the goodness of milk.
Note: If your child has lactose intolerance, replace cow’s or buffalo’s milk with any plant-derived milk after consulting with a pediatrician.
3. Soybeans
Children Grow Taller Foods, Soybeans are rich in proteins. While they are likely to be useful in improving optimal bone health, the mechanisms are still not clear. You can create many yummy dishes with soybeans that your kids will relish
4. Chicken
Children Grow Taller Foods, Poultry meat is a good source of protein, along with B vitamins (mainly thiamin, Vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid). Studies on the physical growth of young children belonging to low-income groups show that good quality animal protein is required to accelerate growth and development. You can try out different recipes that include chicken to improve the protein intake of your child.
Tip
You can add chicken to your child’s soup, salad, or sandwich. You can also make delicious chicken burgers or sausages with eggs for their meals.
5. Green Leafy Vegetables
Children Grow Taller Foods, Green leafy vegetables not only give your kids strength but also supply a good amount of calcium. The calcium in these vegetables (Chinese cabbage, kale, and broccoli) balances bone resorption (breaking down of tissue in the bone to release minerals) and deposition (building of tissue in the bone by deposition of minerals), which varies according to age. In children and adolescents, bone formation is more than resorption, which supports bone growth.
Spinach is rich in iron – 1 cup (180 g) of spinach provides 6.43 mg of iron, which meets 36% of DV. You can add green leafy vegetables to soups and stews, pasta, smoothies, and guacamole.
6. Carrots
Children Grow Taller Foods, Carrots are rich in beta-carotenei, which is converted by the body into vitamin A. Adding raw carrots to the diet helps the body absorb calcium more efficiently, which influences bone resorption and keeps them healthy. Add raw carrots to salads or make fresh carrot juice for your kids.
7. Fruits
Children Grow Taller Foods, Fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, essential micronutrients that boost immunity and accelerate growth and development. Make it a habit to give your child 1-2 servings of fruit daily. You can also add them to cereals to make them colorful and tasty. Include different varieties of fruits every day to meet the daily requirements.
Jesse says, “Although bananas are healthy, they only contain a small amount of magnesium that can contribute to an increase in height. However, they should still be part of a healthy diet if enjoyed.”
8. Whole Grains
Children Grow Taller Foods, Whole grains are rich in vitamin B, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and iron and contain a small amount of calcium. All these minerals are essential for bone growth and mineralization. You can give your kids whole-grain bread and pasta as well as cereals.
9. Yogurt
Children Grow Taller Foods, Yogurt is nutrient-dense and a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin D, andzinc. A study suggested a positive correlation between probiotic intake and growth and the development of undernourished children. However, more research is needed to establish this. If your kids are not fans of yogurt, get them to eat cheese instead as it is rich in proteins, calcium, and vitamin D.
Tip
Children Grow Taller Foods, You can add different fruits like bananas, pears, or berries to your child’s yogurt as a topping. You can also mix yogurt with quinoa, peanut butter, or oatmeal to make your child’s meal delicious.
10. Mixed Nuts
Children Grow Taller Foods, Nuts are powerhouses of nutrients and contain vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and proteins. The omega-3 fatty acids present in nuts are beneficial for bone health and turnover. The proteins in nuts are also vital for the growth of your kid. Include nuts (15 g) as a snack or add them to cereals. You can powder nuts and add them to porridges.
Note: If your kid has nut allergy or intolerance, check with a pediatrician before introducing any new foods.
Also Read:
Healthy Breakfast Ideas: The Best 10 Healthy Breakfast Ideas To Have Healthy Lifestyle
Winter Drinks: The 8 Beneficial And Best Winter Drinks
