Get To Know Children's Food Patterns That Are Risky For Heart Health

Illustration of a child's diet that is at risk for heart health (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Awareness to maintain heart health must begin to improve from childhood. For example, such as the type of food, the type of fat contained in it, to an active lifestyle.

As reported by the Hindustan Times, the United States Pedriatics Academy (AAP) recommends that less than 30 percent of the total calories in children over the age of two must come from fat.

Younger children should not run a low-fat diet. Unless they get advice from a doctor.

There are several signs that parents can know if their child's diet can endanger the heart:

1. Health facilities express concern over the Mass Weight Index (BMI) of children whose growth is percent incompatible with age. For example, if BMI increases or children are consistently in the category of obesity.

2. Children seem short of breath when doing normal activities

3. Children complain that chest and heart pain is palpitated

4. Children experience dizziness or faintness

5. Children's legs or ankles are swollen

Neonatology consultant and Pediatrician at the Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Dr. Lakshmy Menon in an interview with HT Lifestyle said the choices made by someone for children can help determine their heart health as an adult.

"Mother is advised to breastfeed exclusively for six months and then continue to breastfeed if possible for at least one year. Introducing companion food or breast milk companion food is usually done at the age of six months unless doctors suggest otherwise," he said in Bellandur, Bengaluru.

According to Menon, introducing various food groups in the right order and controlling the size of the portion can help maintain children's health.

Then understand the signs of hunger and fullness and help children understand the same thing and appreciate it when children don't want to eat, it's important to develop healthy eating habits.

In this case, parents can introduce the concept of 'Piringku' to help their children have structured eating time and can focus on their food.

The concept of 'Piringku' consists of five categories of food, namely:

1. Whole grains

For example, such as wheat, rice, corn flour, millets, which are included in it. Make sure at least half the grains consumed by the family are in the form of whole grains.

2.Sayuran

Use a mixture of green, red or yellow vegetables and use vegetables according to the season to optimize your child's nutritional intake. At least half of the plates must contain vegetables.

3.Food

One portion of fruit is used in daily food. Variation according to season, AAP does not recommend fruit juice for children over one year and limits it to four ounces between one and three years.

4. Milk products

For example, such as dadih (fermented milk) or pure milk or paneer is also included in this menu.

5.Protein

Can be vegetarian or non-vegetous. Non-vegetous sources include fatless meat or eggs and plant-based sources including nuts, nuts, beans, beans, and others.

There is no portion of oil or pure butter from cow's milk, buffalo or camel (ghee), but it may be used for preparation and sufficient.

Total calories according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) are around 2000kcal per day for children without medical conditions. The amount can vary according to the activities carried out and age.