Boosting Kids' Calcium Levels: The Best Way is to include Millets in their Diet
Calcium Role in Growing Children
A vital component for the growth and development of children, Calcium (Ca) helps in the formation of powerful teeth, bones, and muscles. However, getting children to consume adequate amounts of Calcium is challenging, especially when they do not like milk / ghee / any other dairy products.
Millets! What great alternatives to their meals? You'd be looking for calcium if you're searching for different kinds. Millets (Siri Dhanya) are nutrient-dense and source children with calcium and other minerals for developing into strong, healthy adults.
Why Millets are Best for Calcium
Little super seeds, sometimes referred to as ' millet', have become the staple of traditional meals, mainly because of their rich nutrition. These small, ancient grains are an excellent option for nurturing children as they are rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, and fiber. Millets are an amazing addition to your child's plate as, unlike packaged grains, they enhance overall bone health and offer a slow release of energy. Now, let's see which of these millets is amazing for raising the calcium level in children naturally.
Best Millets for Calcium in Kids' Growth
1. Finger Millet (Ragi)
Ragi is one of the millets that has a high calcium content, sometimes said to be a natural powerhouse for calcium. It has around 344 mg of calcium per 100 g, which is even more than most dairy products. Adding Ragi to porridge, Dosas, or Laddoos gives essential calcium to your child's bone health.
2. Pearl Millet (Bajra)
Bajra is one of the favourites in Indian recipes, being an excellent source of calcium and magnesium, with goodness toward bone mineralization as well as excellent muscle functioning. The way to give minerals for a good strengthening of the bones for a child is either Bajra Rotis or Khichdi.
3. Kodo Millet (Koden)
Kodo millet is a nutritious grain that provides a good source of calcium, essential for growing kids. Rich in fiber and protein, it supports digestion and overall health. Incorporating Kodon into dishes like khichdi or upma can be a delightful way to enhance your child's diet while promoting strong bones.
4. Sorghum (Jowar)
Jowar is another popular grain with substantial calcium content and is gluten-free too. It is full of essential minerals and fiber and helps the child digest well while maintaining healthy bones. Rotis or Porridge of Jowar can be a super addition to a child's balanced diet.
5. Foxtail Millet
Foxtail Millet is rich in iron and calcium, which helps in bone health and oxygen circulation in the body. Adding foxtail millet to Upma, Pulao, or Soups gives kids the calcium in a tasty, familiar manner that is easy to digest.
6. Barnyard Millet
Barnyard Millet is another one with good calcium content that suits even fussy children. The millet is light, hence can be easily digestible and can be taken along in the form of khichdi, dosa, or pancakes and consumed without having the heaviness of a daily dose of calcium.
7. Little Millet (Kutki)
Little Millet is rich in calcium, iron, and B vitamins. This millet can be prepared like rice, used in salads, or made into Idlis to give a good nutritional balance required for the growth and development of children.
Easy Ways to Introduce Millets in Your Child's Diet:
Feeling ready to give these calcium-rich millets a shot with your kids? Here's how to include them in their meals:
· Oatmeal: Kickstart your day with a delicious, soothing millet oatmeal using ragi or foxtail millet, drizzled with a little honey or jaggery.
· Dosas and Rotis: Use millet flour instead of normal flour for Dosa and Roti to make this very simple, calcium-rich switch.
· Millet Laddoos: Children love sweets; why not try making Ragi / Bajra Laddoos as a healthy snack.
· Millet Upma and Pulao : It is a nutritious food that can satisfy a meal with the right amount of essential nutrients.
Conclusion: Millets to Boost Calcium Naturally
Unlike gluten-free, millets are nutritional treasure boxes suited for kids. With more calcium, Ragi, Bajra, and Jowar millets help nourish children's healthier bones and teeth and further growth. If these simple millet changes to the child's diet occur, children will grow stronger, healthier, and happier!
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