When it comes to the complete diet of kids during their growing years, it is always a hustle for parents to decide what to make them eat and avoid. And if you are also someone who has been hustling with the same thing for some time, here’s a smart and healthy solution that will make your parental job easier than ever.
As per a video shared on Instagram by the handle @thinksmartgrowrich, eggs are one of the richest sources of nutrients, and if kids are served 1 egg daily, it can increase their IQ levels by 15 points. It is said that eggs are rich in essential nutrients like amino acids, iron, vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids, as well as disease-fighting nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin. Also, as per a study published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience involving 79 participants between the ages of 18 and 75 years old, it was observed that eggs improved cognitive functioning.
Nutrients in eggs
As per experts, eating one egg daily can give your body as much as 75–76 calories, 7-8 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, and 1.6 grams of saturated fat, along with a plethora of nutrients that not only help in building muscles and boosting immunity but also help in the regeneration of cells and tissues.
As per experts, with over 6g of protein per egg, it makes for the perfect choice to meet almost half the recommended dietary intake for toddlers and almost a third of the recommended dietary intake for older children.
Expert’s take
As per a study mentioned on the digital platform Eat This,Not That, it has been established that the benefits of the chemical make-up of eggs and egg protein hydrolysate, resulting from breaking down the egg protein, may be good for health. Moreover, the study points at a compound NWT-03 hydrolysate, which has the ability to boost cognitive function and improve self-regulation, creativity, attention span, reasoning, working memory, inhibitory control, and mental flexibility, among other brain functions.
The right time to give eggs to kids
As per online data, it is recommended to introduce a well-cooked whole egg into your child’s diet in the first year of their life—around six months of age—but not before four months. It has been found that introducing eggs into their diet at an early age helps children develop a tolerance to eggs and may reduce the risk of allergy. The delayed introduction of eggs might increase the chance of developing a food allergy. As far as quantity is concerned, starting with small amounts like ¼ teaspoon mixed in with any other food is good and shouldn’t be offered more than twice a week.
Benefits of eggs in a diet
They are packed with 13 different vitamins and minerals. They contain choline, a nutrient that contributes to healthy brain development, among other things. They are also rich in iodine, iron, quality protein, omega-3 fat, and vitamins A, D, E, and B12. When eaten as a high-protein breakfast, they can boost a child’s satiety levels and reduce hunger too.
How to add eggs to a kid’s diet
It is recommended to introduce a well-cooked whole egg in the first year of your child’s life, and the best way to do so is by pureeing or mashing a hard-boiled or scrambled egg, ensuring the texture is appropriate. Also, avoid adding salt or other condiments at the initial stage. For older kids, hard-boiled eggs in the form of salads or toppings make great choices.
