Around 80% of a person's height is determined by genetics. Research suggests that environmental variables (such as diet and lifestyle) may also affect a person's height throughout their formative years.
Eating foods that promote development in height may give children the extra boost they need to reach their full potential. While nothing can be done about a child's genetic makeup, we can provide the nourishment they need to reach their full height. Here’s a list of foods that have been shown to benefit children's physical development, including their ability to produce growth hormone and their impact on bone formation.
Calcium and protein in milk contribute to healthy bone development and muscle growth. Children's bone development relies on a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, which are plentiful in dairy products, including cheese, yoghurt, curd, and cottage cheese. Encourage your kids to consume milk daily by serving them milk-based foods.
If your child has lactose sensitivity, talk to a paediatrician about switching to any plant-derived milk instead of cow's or buffalo's milk.
Soybeans Protein content in soy products is high. Soybeans are versatile and may be used to make various delicious recipes that your kids will enjoy.
Protein-rich foods Protein and the B vitamins (especially thiamin, vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid) may be found in non-veg food items. To speed up their physical development, include protein-rich food in their diets. Studies on the growth of children from low-income backgrounds suggest that they need high-quality animal protein.
Vegetables with plenty of green leafy parts Your children will gain strength from eating green leafy vegetables and get a healthy dose of calcium. Calcium in green leafy vegetables like Chinese cabbage, kale, and broccoli helps maintain a healthy balance between bone resorption (the breakdown of bone tissue to release minerals) and bone deposition (the development of bone tissue via deposition of minerals). Bone development in children and teenagers is supported by both creation and resorption.
Carrots Beta-carotene, found in abundance in carrots, is transformed into vitamin A in the body. If you want strong, healthy bones, eat more raw carrots. They improve calcium absorption, which in turn affects bone resorption. Raw carrots are a healthy addition to salads, and fresh carrot juice is a delicious treat for children.
Fruits Vitamins and minerals, found in abundance in fruit, are crucial micronutrients that strengthen the body's defences and speed up the maturation and expansion processes. Give your kid a couple of fruits every day. They also make for a pleasant and visually appealing addition to breakfast cereals.
