For busy parents with picky eaters at home, it can be a challenge to find family-friendly meals that keep everyone happy while also providing the nutrients that growing kids need. Eggs have been shown to be a healthier food choice for people of all ages, but they offer some specific advantages for children. They can also make family meal planning easier and more affordable, as they provide a nutritious and versatile foundation for any meal.
Read on to discover some of the benefits that make eggs—particularly Eggland’s Best eggs—a smart choice for younger eaters.
Higher Omega-3 Content
Eggland’s Best eggs contain 125 milligrams of Omega 3s, which is more than double that found in ordinary eggs, making them a smart addition to any child’s diet. Omega-3s, which are essential fatty acids obtained from foods, have been shown to help reduce asthma symptoms, improve cognitive function and aid in healthier sleep patterns, which are important benefits for growing children.
Higher Folate Content
EB eggs contain 45 micrograms of folate, also known as vitamin B9, compared to 25 micrograms found in ordinary eggs. Folate has been shown to benefit children by promoting the healthy growth of tissues and cells and ensuring strong metabolism. In addition to making red blood cells, the nutrient helps to promote heart health, boosts cognitive function and contributes to the health of the nervous system and digestive system.
Improved Bone Health
One Eggland’s Best egg contains 30 percent of the daily-recommended amount of vitamin D, which is essential to building strong bones and teeth. Bone health is especially important for growing children, and studies have shown that the consumption of eggs has been linked to stronger bones and a reduced risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
Stronger Immune System
The high nutrient content of Eggland’s Best eggs makes them a natural immunity booster. Including EB eggs in children’s daily diets could help to keep sicknesses at bay.
Improved Brain Health
The benefits of eggs for children start before they are even born. Eggland’s Best eggs contain a nutrient called choline, which is essential for fetal brain development. Studies have shown that when a mother includes eggs in her diet during pregnancy, the choline helps to strengthen the parts of baby’s brain that are responsible for retaining and remembering information. And those same benefits continue while the baby is breastfeeding.
Eggland’s Best eggs also contain higher levels of lutein than ordinary eggs, which studies have shown can boost a child’s cognitive engagement and academic performance.
Healthy Weight Maintenance
Childhood obesity impacts 18.5 percent (13.7 million) of kids and teens. When a child consumes Eggland’s Best eggs in their regular daily diet, they will increase their protein intake and feel fuller longer, so they’ll be less likely to consume excess calories throughout the day. EB’s eggs are an optimal source of protein, making them a wise choice for managing children’s hunger patterns and helping to decrease cravings for unhealthy foods.
Looking for ideas for incorporating eggs into your children’s daily diet? Try these satisfying family-friendly suppers that you’ll feel good about feeding to your kids!
In Partnership with Spark People