For some parents, it is not an easy way to prepare the right and healthy meal for their toddlers. Indeed, toddlers need a good amount of nutrients to promote their body growth. In this case, tofu can be such a good choice. It has the high-quality protein that provides healthy fat, calcium, folic acid, and iron for growing child. In addition, tofu is a good source of magnesium, copper, zinc and vitamin B1. Not only for that, but the chewy texture of tofu also makes this food as the best option to go. Parents also can make it into kind of dishes and can be used in sauces, salad dressings and desserts to create a thick and creamy texture. Then, to give you more information, here are the health benefits of tofu for toddler below.
1. Source of Protein
As a matter of fact, a serving of tofu can give 8.1 g of protein. As the consequence, protein is the major nutrient to promote the building muscle. It also helps in building the energy body. Not only for that, protein can regenerate broken cells with the new cells. Thus, if you are searching for the protein foods for toddlers, then you can choose tofu for the healthy option. You can also check on Health Benefits of Peanut Butter for Toddlers
2. Source of Calcium
The next health benefit of tofu for toddlers is to provide the source of calcium. In this case, toddlers need a good amount of calcium to promote strong bones and its growth. Then, a serving of tofu can give 421mg calcium. As this ingredient provides the calcium in it, then it can promote the bones healthy and reduce the risk of osteoporosis for sure. Also, it is advised to consume dairy products such as milk and yogurt for the healthiest bone ever! You can also check on Health Benefits of Bulgarian Buttermilk
3. Source of Iron
Next, tofu has the ability to provide iron source. In this case, a serving of tofu will give you 3.35 mg of Iron. As the consequence, iron is the one that has a role in bringing the oxygen to other body parts. It also helps to promote the brain function and boost the formation of hemoglobin. Then, consuming iron foods will bring valuable benefits for sure. Thus, you can add tofu together with other iron foods such as red meat and beans for your children’s meals. Otherwise, the lack of iron nutrients will lead to the risks of anemia.
4. Source of Potassium
One of the health benefits of tofu for toddlers is to promote strong muscle. This is related to the presence of potassium in it. In this case, one serving of tofu for toddlers will give you 178 mg of potassium. As a result, potassium takes part in lowering the blood pressure, promotes the mineral density, and helps to promote the strong muscle. Thus, it is recommended for your children to consume potassium foods such as tofu and lettuce to give them the best nutrient for sure. You can also check on Benefits of Potassium For Health
5. Source of Magnesium
One of the great minerals that are contained in tofu is the presence of magnesium nutrient. This nutrient has a role in promoting the enzymes function in the body. Moreover, it helps to promote the metabolism related to the enzymes reactions in the body. An adequate intake of magnesium foods will bring benefits to promote the cardiovascular system and bones healthy.
6. Source of Vitamin B-6
The next health benefit of tofu for toddlers is to provide the source of vitamin B-6. At this point, B vitamins including vitamin B-6 can help to promote the body energy. Indeed, B vitamins take part to promote body functions. For the example, vitamin B-6 can promote the serotonin neurotransmitter and the red blood cells in the body. This will be resulting in the prevention of certain health problems including anemia. Thus, adding tofu for toddlers to your child’s food is something that should be taken into account for sure.
7. Promotes Cardiovascular Health
As tofu made from soy, then it has a component that contributes to promoting cardiovascular health. It is also shown in the study that daily consumption of soy may decrease markers for cardiovascular disease risk, including weight, body mass index (BMI), and total cholesterol. Thus, to ensure your toddler having a healthy cardiovascular system, then you can start giving them tofu as well. You can also check on Health Benefits of Oats in Smoothie for Better Cardiovascular
8. Boosts Energy
Due to the presence of protein, then tofu can be beneficial for boosting the children’s energy. Moreover, the presence of valuable nutrients in tofu will help to promote the body function. Therefore, if you want to ensure that the children gain more energy to do activities, then choosing tofu for their food is such a good way.
9. Prevents Diabetes
One of the health benefits of tofu for the toddler is to prevent diabetes. This one can be beneficial as you can have diseases prevention for your children. It is shown in a study that those who consumed only soy protein in their diet excreted less protein than those who only consumed animal protein. As a result, it can be beneficial to deal with diabetes. You can also check on Benefits of Papaya Leaves for Diabetes
Consequently, here are the tips for consuming tofu for the toddler.
Tips for Consuming Tofu for Toddlers
- You can add tofu to your toddler’s food including porridge, fried rice, or snacks as well. You can slice it into kind of shapes or small cubes or just mashing it.
- Tofu should be stored in the fridge for up to 7 days. You must store it in a container of water that is airtight.
- For a healthier option, you can blend tofu with some fruits such as banana, apples, strawberries, blueberries or pears.
- On the other hand, add it into a sandwich or mix it with fruits for yogurt or smoothie are also such a good idea.
- However, you must also ensure that your toddlers don’t have any allergies to tofu. This is due to the presence of children who have allergies to soy, but reactions are typically quite mild and most children outgrow their allergies by the age of three.
Now, you have known the health benefits of tofu for toddlers. Indeed, choosing the right and healthy foods for your children affect how great they will grow up later. It will promote body growth development, strong muscle and bones, and mental health as well. Thus, make sure your children eat well by adding tofu into their meals!