Annabel Karmel talks superfoods

Mum-of-three and best-selling kids' food expert Annabel Karmel has identified for Babyexpert six superfoods that will work wonders for your children's health.

She explains, 'Superfoods are foods which are particularly good for you. They might boost brainpower, improve immunity or help you see in the dark..'

Annabel recommends you should put these six on your shopping list if you want to give your youngsters the best start in life:
 
1. BLUEBERRIES have the highest antioxidant capacity of all fruits. Blueberries are brain food too..they actually help neurons in your brain communicate with one another more effectively, slowing memory loss and making them the ultimate memory food. The blue pigment anthocyanin in the skin of blueberries also helps protect us against cancer.
 
2. OILY FISH It's true fish is good for the brain, oily fish like salmon, mackerel, fresh tuna and sardines contain omega 3 fatty acids which play an important role in helping the brain grow. A baby's brain triples in size in the first year.
 
A recent survey by Bristol University found that mothers who eat fish three times a week have brighter and better behaved children.  Fish oils help boost babies brain power, coordintion and vocabulary. Research also suggests that a diet rich in omega 3s can improve the performance of children with dyspraxia and ADHD. However, the FSA has advised mums to be to eat no more than 2 portions of oily fish a week - but they can eat any amount of white fish.
 
3. CARROTS are full of betacarotene, a phytochemical that the body can use to make vitamin A which boosts immunity and is important for growth, healthy skin and good vision in the dark. Interestingly carrots are more nutritious when cooked with a little fat as carotenoids and vitamin A are fat soluble nutrients  that are better absorbed that way.
 
4. EGGS are probably nature's most perfect food. They are one of the best sources of protein. They are packed full of vitamins and nutrients that help your eyes, brain and your heart. They also contain choline which is important for brain function.   
 
5. RED MEAT provides most nutritional needs. It provides the best and most easily absorbed source of iron. Iron deficiency is the commonest nutritional deficiency in early childhood and can lead to your child becoming tired, listless and more prone to infection
 
6. KIWI FRUIT A study in New Jersey evaluated the nutritional content of 27 different fruits to determine ounce for ounce whicvh provided the most nutrition. Kiwi fruit was found to be the most nutrient dense of all fruits. Kiwi has the highest level of vitamin C, almost twice that of an orange. Kiwis are also rich in disease fighting antioxidants.

• Annabel Karmel's Eat Fussy range of nutritious, fresh ready-meals is now available from Sainsbury's and Ocado.

Start a discussion :: Print this article ::