Ideal Weight for Children
Posted by in Kids Health on June 29, 2011
Obesity, either in children or adults, is a major health concern worldwide. Every year, hundreds of deaths occur due to weight related complications. The number of childhood obesity has increased considerably in the last few decades. According to medical studies, about 18 – 33% of children and teenagers are suffering from obesity problems in the United States. Among the several factors for unhealthy weight gain in children, the primary reasons are poor diet and lack of physical activities.
Ideal weight for children refers to the healthy weight range depending upon the age, sex, height and body type. Since hereditary factors also contribute a lot in weight gain, maintaining ideal weight for children is easier said than done for many of the kids who have obese parents. Understanding the ideal height and weight for children is very important to maintain the overall health and wellness of every child.
What is the Ideal Body Weight for Children?
There is no specific ideal weight for children as such. In fact, it depends upon the age, sex, height, body type, body structure and racial background of the child. As kids are in the active growing stage, it is to be noted that the ideal weight for children is entirely different from that of the ideal body weight for adults. Considering this, adult weight and height charts are framed for those who are above 18 years of age.
Speaking about ideal height and weight for children, the best reliable tool is to calculate body mass index (BMI) of the kid by using the formula – (weight/height squared) x 703. Thus, for estimating the BMI of a child, measure the height in inches and weight in pounds. Then divide the child’s weight by the square of the child’s height. Finally, multiply this result by 703. If the BMI result is between 18.5 and 24.9, then it is considered healthy. Otherwise, children who have their BMI result below 18.5 are underweight; while those with a BMI result above 24.9 are overweight.
In general, if the weight of a child is 10% or more than the ideal weight recommended with reference to the height and body structure, then only he/she is considered as obese. Hence, do not be in the wrong concept that a kid who has gained a few extra pounds is obese. Nevertheless, the child will have a tendency to become overweight or obese, if proper care regarding diet and exercise is not taken at the right time. Read the rest of this entry »
Green Beans Nutrition
Posted by in Vegetables on June 29, 2011
Green beans, are also popularly known as French beans, string beans or runner beans. There are over hundred cultivars presently cultivated for this vegetable. Although most beans are green, new varieties also offer a few red or yellow ones. They grow on small plants, and are several inches long and mostly flat. Maximum green beans nutrition can be derived from picking them when they are young with their seeds undeveloped, usually in an immature state. More mature the bean, lessor the flavor and crispness. Beans should be stringed, although a few stringless varieties are also available.
Green Beans Nutritional Value
Following is a green beans nutritional value table, that can vary depending upon the way and form (raw, steamed, fried, or canned) it’s consumed. However, that does not change the amount of health benefits one can derive. The following table is for one cup of raw, fresh green beans, equivalent to 110 g.
Nutrient Nutritional Value
Water 99.3 g
Calories 34.1 calories
Protein 2.0 g
Calcium 40.7 mg
Iron 1.1 mg
Vitamin C 17.9 g
Vitamin K 15.8 g
Folate 40.7 mcg
Flouride 420.9 mcg
Potassium 230 mg
Magnesium 27.5 mg
Phosphorous 41.8 mg
Sodium 6.6 mg
Carbohydrates 7.8 g
Dietary Fiber 3.7 g
Total Fat 0.1 mg
Green Beans Nutritional Benefits
An important source of nutrition, green beans are available throughout the year, with the freshest and least expensive lot in summers. One can even can green beans to ensure a steady supply.
Vitamin Enriched: One cup of fresh green beans provides 25% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin K. A good level of this vitamin is essential to maintain bone health, as it prevents activation of the cells responsible for breaking down bone and ensures bone density by activating the major non-collagen protein in bone. Read the rest of this entry »