Superfoods for Babies: 1-2 Years

In her book Superfoods for Babies and Children (Atria Books), bestselling author Annabel Karmel details which are the best foods for your 1- to 2-year-old, and why.

Citrus and berry fruits are a good source of vitamin C, which helps the absorption of iron from other foods, so try to give some vitamin C-rich fruits at every meal.

Raspberries contain ellagic acid, which can help protect us against cancer. Of all the fruits, raspberries pack the most fiber into the fewest calories.

Lychees are a good way to get some sweetness in the diet. They are also a good source of fiber and vitamins.

Blackberries contain more vitamin E than any other fruit, which is vital for the protection of the heart and arteries.

Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant pigment that helps to prevent cancer and heart disease. However, research shows that lycopene in tomatoes can be absorbed more efficiently by the body if the tomatoes have been cooked with a little oil.

Carrots do improve night vision. They are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is converted in the body into vitamin A. One of the first symptoms of vitamin A deficiency is night blindness.

Brightly colored vegetables contain a wide variety of phytochemicals (plant chemicals) that will give us a greater chance of preventing diseases such as coronary heart disease and cancer. Canned tomatoes retain most of their nutrients but do also contain salt.

Herbs have many medicinal properties. Parsley contains vitamin C and iron, and chewing on parsley is a good breath freshener, especially after eating garlic. Chewing thyme is thought to help soothe sore throats, and oregano as an infusion is thought to aid digestion and relieve cold symptoms.