Another study was released recently linking poor childhood nutrition with high blood pressure as adults. This study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, found girls who follow a high-fiber, low-fat diet from childhood through adolescence may have lower blood pressure as adult women. It makes sense to show your children, by example, that you take your heart-health seriously. MegaNatural®-BP may be part of that healthy lifestyle because it supports healthy blood pressure levels.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following daily fiber intake amounts for children two years and older.
| Gender | Age | Fiber (grams) |
|---|---|---|
| Any | 2 – 3 years | 19 |
| Any | 4 – 8 years | 25 |
| Female | 9-11 years | 26 |
| Male | 9-11 years | 31 |
To add more fiber into your child’s diet, encourage them to start each day with a cereal that provides at least three grams of fiber per serving. Increase breakfast’s fiber content and nutritional value even more by topping cereal with fresh fruit instead of cereal.
Keep sliced carrots (or ‘baby’ carrots) and celery sticks on hand for quick and easy snacks. Bananas, raisins and other dried fruits, and apples are also simple, kid-friendly treats. Don’t peal edible skins, such as apples or pears, since the skin contains a lot of fiber. Try not to let them fill up on crackers or cookies.
Important: babies need higher fat diets (about 50 percent of calories from fat) to nourish their brains and development). About the time your child reaches two years old, try to reduce their fat intake to about 30 percent of their calories by doing such things as switching to reduced fat milk.
Eliminating junk food from your fridge and pantry will help steer your child onto a lifelong course of healthful eating.
