11 Unicorn superfoods for toddlers

Have you heard about the unicorn food fad? Dr Barnard of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine explains, with unicorns on trend at the moment, that the unicorn food fad is all about eating beautiful bright foods in every rainbow colour. “Unicorns may be mythical, but the nutritional rainbow’s health benefits are not,” he says. Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and author of Mila’s Meals: The Beginning & Basics, Catherine Barnhoorn agrees. She discusses the significance of rainbow nutrition for the diet of your toddler. “Natural chemical compounds found in all plants are phytonutrients. They safeguard against illnesses and promote health. With each colour group providing a unique set of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, the phytonutrients in fruits and vegetables give them various colours. A great way to ensure your little one is eating the widest range of phytonutrients is to use the rainbow as a guide.

Here are 11 superfoods that would gladly be eaten by any unicorn fan

Eggs

Eggs are rich in protein and are among the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium. Eating protein at breakfast also helps kids feel satisfied for longer.

Dairy Products

Milk and dairy products offer protein and calcium that help provide fuel for the brain and body. Protein also helps build brain tissue, while calcium helps keep bones and teeth strong.

Salmon

Salmon contains heart-healthy omega-3 fats that boost brain development, fend off depression, and has great anti-inflammatory powers.

Carrots

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene that is a powerful antioxidant and helps support the immune system.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are full of lycopene that protects against many cancers and heart disease. Cooking tomatoes helps release the lycopene.

Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants. Research suggests that in addition to protecting against heart disease and diabetes and improving brain function, blueberries may also help reduce visceral ‘toxic’ belly fat – a type of fat that has been linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Cabbage

Cabbage has a mild flavour and crunch that children tend to like over usual salad greens. It contains phytonutrients that lower the risk of cancer, as well as improve digestion. Cabbage also helps clear harmful toxins from the body by triggering the release of enzymes whose job is to whisk them out.

Herbs

Basil is full of antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and K, iron, potassium, and calcium. Coriander has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial benefits, and cholesterol-lowering effects. It is a remarkable heavy-metal detoxifier and can remove mercury and aluminum from where it is stored in the body’s tissues. Coriander seeds are a good source of dietary fibre, copper, manganese, iron, magnesium, and calcium. At the same time, the leaves are a great source of vitamins A, K, C, and iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds have antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial benefits. They contain the amino acid tryptophan – a nutrient which relaxes the body calms the nerves and improves sleep.

Black Beans

Black Beans are a good source of protein, fibre, and calcium. The darker the colour, the better they are. They also help guard against heart disease and high cholesterol, which aren’t adults-only problems.

Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder has one of the highest flavonoids concentrations, a compound known to improve blood pressure, heart, and oral health. Use at least 70% pure cocoa and check that it isn’t processed with alkali (also called Dutch-processed), removing most of the flavonoids.