Calcium plays an important part in the formation and maintenance of bones, especially in growing kids. 99% of the body’s calcium is found in bones and teeth. It is an indispensable micronutrient responsible for muscle function, nerve transmission, and hormonal secretion. So, calcium plays a crucial role in the development of a child. A shortfall of calcium may cause rickets (soft bone disease) and cause bow legs. Calcium combined with vitamin D and fat promotes brain development in infants and toddlers. It is necessary to provide an adequate amount of calcium to an infant, children who are attending preschool and elementary school so that they grow healthy both mentally and physically.

A dietician of a primary school in La Palma CA tells that dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are an excellent and most common source of calcium. But, if your children are lactose intolerant then you have to find out the other source of calcium. Almond milk and almond butter contain calcium. Some vegetables like beans, broccoli, papaya, and green leafy vegetables like collard, greens, turnip, kale, and spinach also contain a good amount of calcium. These are easily available and one can make various tasty foods with these things.

In a reputed preschool in La Palma CA, school authority regularly provides nutritious and yummy school lunch to their student. These foods are fortified with various vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, etc. The recipes are given below.

Pineapple smoothie :

Being rich in calcium, milk is the main ingredient of smoothies. Take some fresh pineapple pieces. Add it to the blender and blend it. Mix it with one glass of cold milk. Serve this to your children in breakfast. It is an ideal summer morning drink that is healthy as well as tasty. Instead of pineapple, you can also use different fruits of your kid’s choice – banana, strawberry, mango, etc. If your child is allergic to milk you can also use soy milk or almond milk to make this smoothie.

Frozen Fruity Nutty Yogurt :

Take some plain yogurt and beat it well. Add some sugar to it to make it sweet. Children like sweet food. Use non-refined or brown sugar. Chop different fruits and nuts very finely. Mix it in yogurt. Freeze it. And serve it as a dessert. Nuts and yogurt are rich in calcium and regular intake of this healthy dessert make children’s bone strong.

Scrambled tofu :

Take tofu and grate it. Pour a few drops of olive oil into the pan and add minced garlic to it. Fry and add grated tofu. Add salt to taste. You can also use finely chopped coriander leaves, carrot, bell pepper, broccoli, etc. vegetables in this scrambled tofu. Serve this calcium-rich preparation with bread at lunch or dinner.

Fried cauliflower :

Remove florets of the cauliflower and blanch it for 5 minutes. Strain the water. In a bowl add cornflour, egg, oregano, salt, and water to make a thick batter. Give your cauliflower the coating of this batter and deep fry it. Serve it to your children as yummy evening snacks. Cauliflower is rich in calcium and other minerals.