Which foods provide active kids the best nutrients for bone health?
Researchers have found that vitamins C and K, potassium, and magnesium are all vital. These nutrients are found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers, bananas, potatoes, green vegetables such as kale and spinach, beans, soy foods, and many other fruits and vegetables. And the calcium found in some plant foods such as collards and kale is absorbed nearly twice as well as the calcium in milk. You’ll also do without the troubling risks of antibiotics and hormones used by dairy farmers, the high fat content of many dairy foods, and the cholesterol we all want to avoid. Calcium-fortified fruit juices and soymilk are tasty and highly concentrated sources as well. I’ve heard vitamin D is important for adult bones. Is this true for children as well? Absolutely. This essential nutrient is produced in the skin when we are outdoors in the sunlight. Just 15 minutes per day is all a child needs. For families who can’t get outside regularly, multivitamins or fortified foods will suffice. Are there any