Beets and carrots are great for your toddler’s health because they’re packed with nutrients and good-for-you vitamins and minerals. These veggies also have special properties that help your child develop optimally.
Even though beets and carrots are often used as a side dish, they can serve as the main attraction at mealtime. Both of these vegetables offer many benefits to your child because they contain important vitamins and minerals that support their growth and development.
In addition, beets and carrots are both rich in natural antioxidants which help prevent diseases like cancer by neutralizing free radicals before they can cause damage to your child’s cells.
Rich In Important Vitamins And Minerals
You might be surprised to learn that beet puffs are excellent sources of vitamin A and beta-carotene, two nutrients that protect your child’s vision, boost their immune system, and protect against many diseases.
Beets and carrots are also a great source of vitamin C, a vitamin that aids in proper growth and development, improves your child’s immunity, and plays a key role in collagen formation for healthy skin and bones. Beets and carrots also contain significant amounts of vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, protecting your child’s cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Supports Eye Health
Beets and carrots are also rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, two nutrients that protect your child’s vision and prevent blindness. These nutrients are converted into retinol, the form of vitamin A that protects your child’s eyes and converts light into energy. Vitamin A is also essential for the development of your child’s reproductive system and plays a key role in preventing congenital blindness.
Protects Against Chronic Diseases
Beets and carrots are particularly rich in anthocyanins and carotenoids, two antioxidants that help protect your child from cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Beets and carrots also contain citric acid, a natural compound that can help prevent the formation of kidney stones.
If your toddler doesn’t like beets or carrots, you can sneak them into his food. You can puree them with applesauce, yogurt, or mashed banana. They can also be mixed into oatmeal or pancakes. You can also combine them into a smoothie.
Build Strong Muscles And Bones
Your toddler’s growing body needs a lot of calcium to build strong bones and muscles. Beets and carrots are rich in calcium, a mineral that promotes bone and muscle growth.
The best way to get calcium into your toddler’s diet is by serving them carrot puffs. You can also add these vegetables to oatmeal, yogurt, or your child’s favorite smoothie recipe.
A Good Source Of Fiber
Beets and carrots are rich in fiber, a nutrient that promotes good digestion and helps lower your child’s risk of developing certain illnesses.
Babies and toddlers need about 16 grams of fiber per day. There are many ways to add fiber to your child’s diet. You can feed your toddler beets and carrots, oatmeal, whole-grain bread, and brown rice. You can also feed your child broccoli, green beans, and other veggies that are rich in fiber.