We all know that there is a deep connection between diet and health. But for children the importance of diet increases even more. They are in the developing age, due to which the food and the nutrients they get affect their growth. It helps to strengthen the foundation of children's health. Children need a variety of nutrients for their physical and mental development. One of these is omega-3 fatty acids.

It is considered an important fatty acid for children, as they play a vital role in growth and development. Not only this, children get many other health benefits from them. Since children's bodies cannot make them on their own and need to get them from food. So, in this article today, Dr KK Gupta, Senior Consultant Pediatrician, Saroj Hospital, Delhi, is telling you why Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for children-

Essential for Brain development

Omega-3 fatty acids mainly help in the development of the brain of children. Typically, 90 percent of a child's brain is developed by the age of five. In such a situation, if children get enough omega-3 fatty acids, then the development of the brain takes place well. Along with boosting the memory of children, it also develops the ability to concentrate. Since the baby gets omega-3 fatty acids from breast milk, it is recommended to breastfeed the baby.

Help with cognitive development

Generally speaking, there are three types of omega-3 fatty acids – EPA, ALA and DHA. DHA aids in the development of children's brains. Studies have also found that low levels of DHA increase the likelihood of children developing problems such as autism and ADHD. Therefore, it is very important to include it in the diet of children.

Essential for eyes

You might not know, but the body uses DHA to help produce the cells that are needed to form the retina of the eye. Therefore, it is considered very important for children to have omega-3 fatty acids in their diet for eye health. The absence of DHA may increase the risk of eye problems in children.

Take care of your heart

DHA is a healthy fat, which is also helpful in taking care of the baby's heart. Omega-3s also help keep blood pressure levels low, reducing the chances of high blood pressure. Omega-3 can also increase good cholesterol and reduce bad cholesterol.

Prevent Diabetes

In today's time, diabetes is not limited to adults only, but now children are also coming under its control. One reason for this is also the low level of HDL in the body. At the same time, omega-3 helps in increasing the level of HDL in children, which further reduces the chances of diabetes in children.

Reduce the chances of Asthma

One benefit of omega-3 fatty acids is that it reduces inflammation in the airways, helping children with asthma by reducing any inflammation in their air pipes. Also, it helps reduce the chances of asthma at an early age.

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DISCLAIMER

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