Selwyn Times: January 29, 2020

SELWYN TIMES Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz
Wednesday January 29 2020 21
15 immune boosting foods
for toddlers & pre-schoolers
Help toddlers and pre-schoolers stay
healthy and beat those bugs over the
winter months.
There are no miracle cures to starve off winter colds
and flu, however by eating a range of essential
nutrients all year round from a variety of foods, it can
help boost your toddler’s or pre-schooler’s immune
system and shorten their recovery time when they
get sick or start feeling run down.
1. Berries. Berries are full of antioxidants to help
keep your toddler’s or pre-schooler’s immune
systems fighting fit! And if fresh berries aren’t in
season, try using frozen ones instead. Berries are
great for eating on their own or adding to smoothies.
2. Broccoli. Broccoli might not be a favourite
amongst toddlers and pre-schoolers, but it’s no
secret that broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s
got a number of immune system boosters, including
vitamins C, A and E and a number of antioxidants.
3. Eggs. Research has shown that when a person
is low in vitamin D, they are more susceptible to
illness. Eggs are one of the only foods with naturally
occurring vitamin D. They also include a number of
other immune-boosting nutrients for your toddler or
pre-schooler, such as B vitamins and selenium.
4. Garlic. Garlic has antibacterial and antioxidant
properties that help maintain your toddler’s or preschooler’s
general health and wellbeing. Adding
garlic to their diet can help reduce the severity and
duration of their colds and flu.
5. Ginger. Ginger This has anti-inflammatory
properties which can help to relieve symptoms and
reduce the duration of colds and flu for your toddler
or pre-schooler. Use it in stir-fries or grate it up and
add it to their smoothies for some extra ‘zing’.
6. Kiwifruit. Kiwifruits are one of the richest sources
of vitamin C. Vitamin C is also found in many fruits
(such as blackcurrants, oranges, strawberries and
blueberries) and vegetables (such as red capsicum,
leafy green vegetables and sprouts) and is wellknown
for its immune-boosting capacity.
7. Leafy green vegetables. Leafy green vegetables
are rich in phytochemicals and provide your toddler
or pre-schooler with a valuable source of vitamin E.
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant to protect children’s
body cells from damage.
8. Legumes Chickpeas, beans and lentils. These
are all high in fibre and are also a good source of
iron. They act as natural ‘immune boosters’ in your
toddler’s or pre-schooler’s body. They can easily
be stirred into bolognaise sauce or stews to help
disguise them, or how about making your own
humus with chickpeas?
9. Lean red meat. Lean red meat is rich in iron and
zinc and keeps your toddler’s or pre-schooler’s
immune system fighting fit. Iron from animal foods
such as red meat, chicken, fish and pork is better
absorbed by your body than plant sources of iron.
10. Nuts and seeds. Nuts and seeds contain
phytochemicals, vitamin E and fibre. Fibre is
essential for good health. It helps keep your toddler’s
or pre-schooler’s bowel in good balance and their
immune system strong.
11. Oats. Oats contain beta-glucan, a component of
fibre that activates killer cells. These are the cells
that fight bacteria, viruses, and other intruders in
your kid’s bodies.
12. Oily fish. Salmon and other deep sea oily fish
such as sardines are a super source of omega-3 fatty
acids. These not only help to ensure healthy brain
development in young kids, they also have antiinflammatory
and immune-boosting properties to
help ward off sickness and fight infections.
For more information and ideas for your under-fives,
visit www.under5s.co.nz
‘the Best little
PReschool in lincoln’
Melodies is a small boutique preschool for children aged 2- 5 years.
Licensed for 34 children we provide a wonderful nurturing, caring
atmosphere where children can learn and develop at their own pace.
Through our low child to teacher ratio we are able to provide a calm
yet invigorating, environment where children have wonderful sense
of belonging and wellbeing.
Our unique curriculum combines Te-Whariki alongside the Carl
Orff Approach to provide highly creative music and dance, drama
and art experiences. While integrating Gill Connells Smart Steps
programme into every-day exploration, and play.
The Carl Orff Approach is threaded into our Music, dance, drama,
art and free play experiences. By intentionally planning activities
around your child’s interests they become actively involved in fun
exciting and highly creative experiences that stimulate the mind,
body and soul.
Gill Connell’s Smart Steps programme is specifically designed
around the relationship between movement and brain development.
Your child learns through movement and real sensory experiences.
Music and Dance is a natural scaffold for children to learn through
movement, develop confidence, make friends and express
themselves freely.
Melodies preschool has an amazing dedicated 100%
qualified teaching team that are dedicated to providing the
best possible care and early learning experiences for your
child.
Melodies Preschool has a strong reputation among
local primary schools that children are very well prepared for the
transition from Preschool to school. Thus, giving your child the
ability to be a confident, competent learner from the first day they
begin school. This successful pathway sets a strong foundation
for life-long learning.
‘Tell me I forget, show me I remember, involve me I understand.’
– Carl Orff
“Since the beginning of time, children have not liked to study.
They would much rather play, and if you have their interests at heart
you will let them learn while they play. They will find what they have
mastered is child’s play. – Carl Orff
Ph: 03 325 2227 | Email enquiries to Abbey: info@melodiespreschool.co.nz | www.melodiespreschool.co.nz
27 West Belt Road, lincoln