Resistant starch is a type of dietary fiber that has been gaining attention in recent years for its potential health benefits. It is found naturally in some foods, but can also be added to foods through processing or cooking methods.
Consider adding resistant starch foods for children’s growth and development since it comes with a host of health benefits.
Research suggests that resistant starch may help with weight management, blood sugar control, and digestive health. For children, resistant starch may also play an important role in growth and development.
In this article, we will discuss five resistant starch foods that can benefit children’s growth and development.
What Is Resistant Starch?
Resistant starch is a type of dietary fiber found naturally in some plant-based foods such as potatoes, beans, legumes, whole grains and unripe bananas. It resists digestion by the body’s enzymes so it passes through the small intestine undigested until it reaches the large intestine where it feeds beneficial bacteria which helps to promote gut health and regularity.
Additionally, research suggests that consuming resistant starches may help to reduce appetite and cravings as well as improve blood sugar control after meals due to its slow digestion rate compared to other carbohydrates such as white bread or pasta which are quickly digested into glucose (sugar).
How Can Resistant Starch Benefit Children’s Growth & Development?
Research suggests that consuming adequate amounts of dietary fiber including resistant starches can provide many benefits for children’s growth and development including:
• Improved nutrient absorption: Dietary fiber helps the body absorb essential vitamins and minerals from food more efficiently which is important for healthy growth during childhood years;
• Reduced risk of obesity: Studies have shown that higher intakes of dietary fiber are associated with lower rates of obesity among children;
• Improved digestive health: Consuming adequate amounts of dietary fiber including resistant starches helps promote regularity by providing fuel for beneficial bacteria in the gut;
• Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Higher intakes of dietary fibers have been linked with reduced risks for certain chronic diseases such as heart disease later on in life;
• Improved satiety and appetite control: Eating more high-fiber foods like those containing resistant starches can help keep kids fuller longer between meals which could lead to better appetite control over time.
5 Resistant Starch Foods For Children’s Growth & Development
Resistant starch is a type of dietary fiber that can provide a range of health benefits for children. It is important to ensure that children get enough of this nutrient in their diet to support their growth and development. Here are 5 resistant starch foods that can be included in a child’s diet:
1. Potatoes
Potatoes are a great source of naturally resistant starch when cooked and cooled down (known as “retrogradation”). This process increases their RS content up to 10 times more than when they were originally cooked. Try adding mashed potatoes or potato salad to your child’s lunchbox every now and then
2. Beans & Legumes
Beans are another great source of natural RS due to their high content when cooked and cooled down (similarly known as “retrogradation”). Try adding black beans or chickpeas to your child’s lunchbox every now and then
3. Whole Grains
Whole grains contain a moderate amount RS depending on how they were processed before consumption (e.g., steel-cut oats vs rolled oats). Try adding oatmeal or quinoa to your child’s lunchbox every now and then
4. Unripe Bananas
Unripe bananas contain a moderate amount RS depending on how ripe they were before consumption (the riper they get = less RS content!). Try adding banana slices to your child’s lunchbox every now and then.
5. Processed Foods
Some processed food products like breakfast cereals contain added RS from sources like cornstarch or tapioca flour during manufacturing processes so check labels carefully if you want your child to eat these types regularly
In conclusion, there are many potential benefits associated with consuming adequate amounts of resistance starches from natural sources such as potatoes, beans/legumes, whole grains, unripe bananas, etc., but also from processed food products like breakfast cereals if consumed regularly within reason.
Parents should feel empowered knowing there are plenty of options available when it comes to feeding their growing family members nutritious meals full of essential vitamins, and minerals, plus all the goodness associated with resistance starches too.