The Truth about Protein and Kids
In school, we learn that protein is one of the building blocks of life, remember? Before you go and search Wikipedia, we will tell you now, tama ka! But just how important is protein in our kid’s life? We went through piles of scientific research and were surprised by what we found out.
Protein is part of everything inside us.
Notice how when something is really important, it’s usually found in every aspect of a person’s life. Think clean air, drinking water... mobile phones. Protein is greatly as important a part of our life — it makes up our hair, skin, important organs —literally every cell of our body.
So, what’s up with all this protein in our body?
Protein helps keep the body going.
Protein helps our body stay up and running. It helps repair cells that get damaged when we get hurt. Protein helps our immune system fight back when we get sick. It even lets go of our reserve energy so we can use it even when we haven’t had enough to eat. Kaya naman, protein is truly essential to our child’s good health.
Protein is part of our genetics.
Do you know why our kids look like us?
Our features and traits- like your fair complexion or your hubby’s height, are passed on to our kids in their DNA which is actually made up of proteins. Say, you have naturally brown hair while daddy has jet black hair. How would you know what your kid’s hair will be like?
The question might sound ok lang when talking about hair color, ‘di ba? But imagine if it concerns both your family history of health, like obesity. Siguradong magwoworry kayo about how it will affect your kid’s life! We cannot choose the traits that are passed on to our children. However, there is a way to influence which genes are switched on or off. This is where protein can help. Studies show that protein intake in childhood can affect one’s risk for obesity. Ang galing ha!
Protein quality is important.
If the body needs protein so badly, we need to make sure we have a constant supply. Unfortunately, our bodies can’t make all types of protein all on its own. There are those that are called essential proteins that we get from food. Now, do not take this as a go signal to keep feeding your kid with steak and egg everyday. More than the amount of protein taken in, it is the type and quality of protein that is important.
It is very challenging to be a parent with all these decisions you have to make, right? Don’t worry, it’s worth it, because…
Proteins contribute to your child’s good health, and good health means a better quality of life.
When your child’s body gets the nutrition he needs, he can focus on other things like excelling in school or doing fun things with you. This greater freedom to do things they want to do is what researchers call a “positive emotional and physical state of health.”
As parents, we need to rethink the kind of protein we’re giving our kids. Check out the Protein 101 section to learn more about the cool things protein can do to your kid!
REFERENCES:
Institute of Medicine: Dietary reference intakes for energy, carbohydrate, fiber, fat, fatty acids, cholesterol, protein, and amino acids. National Academy of Sciences, 2002/2005
Schneiderman, N. et al. Stress and health: psychological, behavioural, and biological determinants. Annu Rev ClinPsychol 2005; 1:607-628
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