Nutrition Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Nutrition - Research Paper Example It mainly consists of proteins, fats, water, carbohydrates as well as macro minerals (Instah, 2010). This topic will cover the importance of proper nutrition for children. Nutrition is vital for child’s development. It can also ward off many diseases and health related problems like obesity, weak bones, and diabetes. It also helps in development of children’s brain which is important for them as they are constantly learning new things during this period. The five nutrients mentioned below are most crucial for child health and body: Fiber: It is needed for healthy growth and proper nutrition. Fiber helps in dealing with the problem of constipation. Foods like legumes, vegetables and wheat are rich in fiber (Harvard School of Public Health, 2010). Antioxidant nutrients: It includes vitamin C, E, mineral selenium and beta-carotene. It helps in improving the child’s immune system. These nutrients are found in foods like tomatoes, cherries, carrots and spinach (Swanson, 1999). Calcium: It is one of the richest minerals found in body and is responsible for the growth of bones. It was found that children between four to eight years need 800 milligrams of calcium per day (Palo Alto Medical Foundation, 2010). Protein: It is another important nutrient for child body. It is present in every tissue of the body. Four to eight year old children need 19 milligrams of protein daily to meet the requirements of protein. It is also important during infancy (Lifeclinic, 2010). Iron: As iron helps in development of brain and its function, it is considered as one of the main nutrients in child’s diet. Deficiency of iron can lead to anemia which results in severe weakness. Foods like meat, seafood, chicken and spinach are rich in iron (Chillemi, 2005). Poor nutrition can result in health problems ranging from small health issues to fatal diseases. The main

What are the opinions of teachers and parents of the barriers to Literature review

What are the opinions of teachers and parents of the barriers to participation in physical activity within the early years (3-7 years) - Literature review Example Craigg and Cameron (2006) assert that kids who have a healthy physical lifestyle in their early years tend to carry the same routines for their entire life. Research shows that some diseases that show up in adulthood can indeed be linked to unhealthy lifestyle in the earlier years. Diseases such as diabetes and obesity have been associated with lack of physical activity in the earlier years of growth. The Institute of medicine (2004) estimates that there are more than 9million overweight children, 4.5million of whom are obese. Obesity in children is majorly associated with poor eating habits and lack of physical activity. Parents play a great role in nurturing physical activities in a child’s life since children spend more time at home during this face of their life. It is important for parents to recognize the need for their kids to participate in physical activities and they should strive to nurture this in them. Play activities should therefore be incorporated to kids in their early years; parents need to constantly talk on the need and importance of physical health to their kids. Research by the American Alliance for Health (2002) suggests that kids should be exposed to at least 60 minutes each of both structured and unstructured play activities each day. Structured activities mainly involve the planned activities involving instructions with clear guidelines while unstructured activities are spontaneous, arising when the child is exploring their surroundings. With the ever increasing competitive world, and the economic hardships that have emerged; many parents have been forced work outside their homes, hence preferring to enroll their kids to day-cares. These centers pose great avenues for the implementation of physical health and activities (Burdettee &Whitaker 2005b ).Teachers in day-care are in unique positions to encourage healthy physical life among the kids since they tend to spend most of