The best food for children when vaccinated against COVID-19

A healthy diet can improve the immune response, help the body fight infections better, and can boost the immune response to vaccinations. So, what should children eat best when getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

1. Children vaccinated against COVID-19 should eat anti-inflammatory foods

Studies have shown some healthy natural foods can fight inflammation such as: green vegetables and fresh fruits, berries, whole grains, chicken, especially fish rich in omega fatty acids- 3...

1.1. Green vegetables and fresh fruit

Colorful and varied foods such as fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals and have effective anti-inflammatory effects. This may be due to the antioxidants present in them.

Vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants that help fight inflammation include: Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, spinach; strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, oranges, tangerines...

1.2. Whole grains

Whole grains provide many important nutrients such as fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals.

In particular, the fiber, antioxidants, and variety of plant compounds found in whole grains help reduce inflammation and prevent disease.

Oatmeal is an easy cereal to eat and is a food that provides calories, vitamins and minerals needed by the body.

1.3. Chicken meat

Chicken is a rich source of protein. Chicken also contains the amino acid cysteine, which helps break down mucus and has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.

Giving children chicken, chicken porridge, chicken soup helps to supplement nutrition, provide vitamins, minerals and rehydrate children when they have a fever after being vaccinated against COVID-19.

1.4. Salmon

Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, and anchovies are a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Your body converts these fatty acids into degradable and protective compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects.

Salmon is one of the best sources of protein that parents should feed their children. Salmon meat is tender, easy to eat, and contains all the high-quality protein your body needs for recovery.

In particular, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have strong anti-inflammatory effects that can help a child's immune system work more efficiently. Salmon is also a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, which plays an important role in the immune system.

1.5. Yogurt

Yogurt contains beneficial probiotics, which are strains of bacteria that can reside in the gut, providing health benefits. Therefore, it is very good for children to eat yogurt.

2. Children under 12 who get the COVID vaccine should eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals

2.1. Foods rich in vitamin A

One of the earliest signs of vitamin A deficiency is a decreased ability to fight infections, especially respiratory infections like COVID-19. Like most immune system nutrients, the best way to get vitamin A is through diet.

Vitamin A is found in foods of animal origin such as eggs, milk, fish, meat, pork liver, ovals, shrimp... Plant foods: dark green vegetables (spinach, water spinach) , amaranth, squash...); Yellow fruits and vegetables (gac, carrots, pumpkin, papaya, mango ...) contain a lot of beta-carotene, which when entering the body will be converted into vitamin A.

2.2. Foods rich in vitamin D

Vitamin D is perhaps best known for its benefits for bone health, but it also plays an important role in boosting the body's immune responses.

Food sources rich in vitamin D are: fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines); egg yolks, vitamin D fortified milk, yogurt and fresh milk...

2.3. Zinc rich foods

Zinc supports the functioning of immune cells. Zinc deficiency can lead to a higher risk of infection. Food sources of zinc include: beef, chicken, oysters, crab, pumpkin seeds, yogurt, cashews, green beans, etc.

2.4. Foods rich in vitamin C

When it comes to fighting infections, vitamin C-rich foods cannot be overlooked. Vitamin C's immune-boosting, infection-fighting abilities may be related to its antioxidant properties.

Food sources rich in vitamin C include: citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, cantaloupe, broccoli, tomatoes...

Thanh Ha
Source: Health & Life