Every parent hopes their child will grow up with tall, slender legs. So which foods promote height growth in babies?
1. Milk
Milk is rich in calcium—a key nutrient for bone development—and is easily absorbed by growing children. While drinking milk doesn't guarantee height gain, calcium deficiency definitely hinders growth. Therefore, drinking more milk is never harmful.Drinking three glasses of milk daily provides the calcium essential for growth. 2. Eggs Eggs are one of the most readily available high-protein foods. Many children enjoy eating eggs, especially egg whites, which are rich in protein and highly beneficial for growth. Some mothers worry about the cholesterol in egg yolks, but growing children need not concern themselves with cholesterol levels. Eating one to two eggs daily is quite appropriate.
3. Black Soybeans
Soybeans are widely recognized as a high-protein food, and black soybeans contain even higher protein levels, making them an excellent growth-promoting food. They can be added to rice while cooking or ground into soy milk for drinking.
4. Sardines
Sardines are packed with protein and calcium. The calcium in sardines is more easily digested and absorbed than plant-based calcium found in seaweed, making it highly beneficial for children's growth. Additionally, seafood like anchovies, whitebait, and smelt—which are eaten whole, bones and all—are excellent choices. If you feel limited in how much whitebait you can eat as a dish, try grinding it into whitebait powder and mixing it into milk.
5. Spinach
Spinach is rich in iron and calcium. Since many children dislike spinach, avoid serving it as a cold salad. Instead, finely shred it and stir-fry with rice, or add it to seaweed rice rolls.
6. Tangerines
Rich in vitamin C, they aid calcium absorption. However, tangerines are seasonal in fall and winter. Opt for other seasonal fruits like strawberries, pineapples, grapes, or kiwis depending on the season to ensure consistent vitamin intake.
7. Carrots
Packed with vitamin A, they support protein synthesis.Children often dislike whole carrots, so incorporate them into various dishes. For example, juice them—if carrot juice isn't preferred, blend with apples to balance the flavor. Additionally, when cooking chicken, pork, or beef, shred carrots and stir-fry them together. This not only adds flavor but also boosts nutritional value.