As the school year begins and the challenge of keeping kids healthy resurfaces, parents are often left searching for ways to boost their children's immunity. One unique and effective solution is incorporating Haskap berry snacks into their diet. These snacks, made from products available at Haskap Highland Orchards, are not only nutritious but also incredibly tasty, ensuring your child stays healthy and happy.
Why Kids Get Sick When They Return to School
When children return to school, they are suddenly exposed to an onslaught of germs and viruses. The close quarters of classrooms, shared facilities, and the excitement of interacting with friends all contribute to the rapid spread of illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common colds are the main reason children miss school, and various viruses, primarily rhinoviruses, cause these colds.
The sudden change in routine, coupled with the stress of adapting to a new school year, can also weaken a child's immune system. So, it’s no wonder you feel like you need to take proactive steps to bolster your child's immunity. And what better way to do this than through nutrition? One of the most effective ways to do this is by incorporating nutrient-rich snacks into their diet.
The Nutritional Approach: Vitamin C and Antioxidants
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants plays a crucial role in maintaining a strong immune system for kids and adults. Haskap berries, for instance, are a rich source of vitamin C and are known for their immune-boosting properties. It helps in the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infections. Antioxidants, on the other hand, help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals, thereby supporting overall health.
Haskap berries are a nutritional powerhouse, brimming with vitamin C and antioxidants. These berries contain higher levels of vitamin C than oranges and are packed with anthocyanins, which give them their vibrant colour and potent health benefits. Incorporating Haskap berries into your child's diet can give them a delicious way to strengthen their immune system.
Easy Ways to Incorporate Haskap Berry Juice into Breakfasts
Starting the day with a nutritious breakfast sets the tone for the rest of the day. Here are some of our favourite simple ways to add Haskap berry juice to your child's morning routine:
- Haskap Smoothie: Blend Haskap berry juice with Greek yogurt, a banana, and a handful of spinach for a nutrient-rich smoothie that tastes great and provides a powerful start to the day.
- Haskap Berry Oatmeal: Stir a splash of Haskap berry juice into warm oatmeal. Add a drizzle of honey and some fresh berries on top for a breakfast that's as delicious as it is healthy. You can make it extra Haskap-infused by adding Haskap jam on top!
- Haskap Berry Pancakes: Mix Haskap berry juice into your pancake batter for a sweet, tangy twist on a breakfast classic. Top with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Click here for more delicious Haskap breakfast ideas!
Haskap Snacks for School
Starting the day well is one thing, but we know you want to keep them nutritionally topped up during the day, too. Ensure your child gets the immune-boosting benefits of Haskap berries throughout the day with these easy-to-make snacks that they can take to school:
- Haskap Bars: Our Ooey Gooey Crunchy Haskap Bars are a hit with kids. These bars are easy to make and packed with the goodness of Haskap berries. They offer a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, making them an ideal school snack. [Check out the recipe here.]
- Haskap Crumb Cake: The Haskap Cream Cheese Crumb Cake is another delightful option. It's soft and flavorful, and the cream cheese adds delicious richness and some extra calcium. This cake is great for lunchboxes or as an after-school treat. [Find the recipe here.]
- Haskap Berry Salsa: For a savoury option, try making Haskap Berry Salsa. This versatile salsa can be paired with crudités or chips, making it a fun and healthy snack. The unique flavour of Haskap berries adds a sweet yet tangy twist that kids will love. [Get the recipe here.]
Kids Will Love the Taste
One of the best things about Haskap berries is their unique flavour profile. The sweet yet tangy taste appeals to kids, making it much easier to get a boost of nutrition into your child’s diet. The novelty of consuming something different and exotic can make children feel grown up, special, and more inclined to try new foods, opening up their palette to a world of other flavours.
Give Them a Boost!
As we navigate the back-to-school season, it’s time to stock up on countless supplies, but keeping kids healthy is a top priority, so stock up on nutrition, too! Incorporate Haskap berry juice and snacks into their diet, providing them with a delicious and effective way to boost their immunity. With various easy recipes, keeping your kids healthy has never been so tasty and fun.
Do you have a great recipe of your own using Haskap berry juice or jam? We’d love to hear it! Let us know how you're using Haskap in your kitchen.
