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Why
Nutritious WIC foods? |
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MILK AND CHEESE
- Provide calcium for strong
bones and teeth. Milk is fortified with vitamin D to help our body
absorb and use the calcium.
- Milk, cheese and eggs
provide complete proteins (contain all the amino acids). Proteins
provide cells with the building material they need to grow and maintain
structure.
CEREAL
- Grain products are
fortified with many B vitamins:
- Thiamin(B1) metabolizes
carbohydrates. Helps the nervous system function properly
- Riboflavin(B2) Helps
breakdown carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Maintains skin and mucous
membranes.
- Niacin(B3) Needed for food
metabolism. Maintains healthy skin, nerves and gastrointestinal
tract
- Pyridoxine(B6) Breaks down
fat, carbohydrates and proteins for our body to use. Helps with the
production of red blood cells.
- Cyanocobalamin(B12)
Necessary for processing carbohydrate, fats and proteins. Helps make all
blood cells in the body. Is important in the maintenance of nerves. It
helps with making and repairing DNA.
- Folic acid(B9) works with
B12 to make DNA needed by all cells in the body. It is necessary for the
breakdown of proteins and the formation of hemoglobin.
- Pantothenic acid used in
the break down of carbohydrates, lipids and some amino acids
- Biotin functions as a
coenzyme in many body functions
- Cereal is also a good
source of fiber, which is important for good digestive
health.
- Iron needed by red blood
cells to help transport oxygen to the body
DRIED BEANS/PEAS/LENTILS AND PEANUT BUTTER
- All of these are good
sources of protein, iron, folic acid and other B vitamins, dietary fiber
and minerals. Dry beans are the best source of folate and are high in
fiber. Beans have more potassium, needed for the normal functioning of
nerves and muscles, than one banana.
100% JUICE
- Provides vitamin C: which
is important in the production of collagen (connective tissue of skin,
bone, teeth, tendons and forms cartilage). Vitamin C helps protect
fat-soluble vitamins A and E. Vitamin C is beneficial in the treatment
of iron deficiency anemia. *Remember, the American Academy of Pediatrics
suggests no more than 12 oz of juice should be given to your child a
day.
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