Vice President-Elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka asserts that the free healthy food programme for children in Indonesia does not necessarily have to use rice as the main carbohydrate source.
Alternatively, noodles and corn can be used to fulfil children’s daily nutritional needs instead of rice. It can also be tailored according to local conditions and preferences.
Healthy Food Programme Trial at SDN 4 Tangerang
A trial for the free healthy food program was conducted at SDN 4 Tangerang on last Monday. This program aims to improve nutrition quality in school lunches. According to Gibran, variety in the carbohydrate menu is important to prevent boredom and ensure that children continue to enjoy the food provided. The Chairman of PERGIZI PANGAN Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Ir. Hardinsyah, MS, supports this view by explaining that rice can be replaced with noodles or corn without reducing nutritional intake. In addition to carbohydrates, the diet should also include protein, vegetables and fruit to ensure nutritional balance.
The Role of Carbohydrates in Children’s Growth and Development
Carbohydrates are the main macronutrient that the body needs to produce energy. In children, this energy is essential to support daily activities and brain function. Glucose, the end product of carbohydrate metabolism, is the main source of energy for the brain. Children’s brains require stable glucose to support cognitive processes such as learning, memory and attention. A lack of glucose can lead to decreased cognitive function and fatigue, which can negatively impact children’s academic performance.
Nutritional Advantages in Noodles and Corn
Corn and noodles not only serve as alternative sources of carbohydrates, but also have important additional nutritional components. Corn is rich in carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene, which is a precursor of vitamin A. Vitamin A is important for eye health, maintaining epithelium integrity, and supporting the immune system. Vitamin A deficiency can cause visual impairment, such as night blindness, and increase the risk of infection.
Noodles made from wheat flour fortified with iron, folate and B vitamins can help prevent anaemia, which is common among school-aged children. Anaemia, caused by iron deficiency, can impair cognitive and motor development and lower the body’s resistance to infection.
Protein Intake for Cell Repair and Growth
Protein is one of the main components in the diet, and it consists of essential amino acids, which are indispensable for the growth and repair of body tissues. Eggs, which are often combined with noodles in meals, are a complete source of protein that contains all the essential amino acids the body needs. In addition, eggs also contain vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets in children, a condition where bones become soft and brittle.
Importance of Healthy Fats in Brain Development
Healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, are essential for brain development and cognitive function. Omega-3s play an important role in the structure of neuronal cell membranes and support communication between brain cells. Studies have shown that children who receive adequate omega-3 intake tend to have better learning abilities and a lower risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders such as ADHD.
Micronutrients and their Impact on Health
Micronutrients such as iron, calcium and vitamin C also play an important role in child development. Iron is required for the production of haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, which is often seen in children who do not get enough nutrients. This anaemia can result in fatigue, dizziness and reduced academic performance.
Vitamin D and Calcium are abundant in milk and essential for the growth of strong bones and teeth. Calcium also plays a role in muscle contraction and enzyme function. Calcium deficiency can cause problems with bone formation, while vitamin D deficiency interferes with calcium absorption, which can result in conditions such as osteomalacia or rickets.
Benefits of Fibre from Vegetables and Fruits
Vegetables and fruits not only provide vitamins and minerals, but also fibre which is important for digestive health. Fibre helps improve bowel movements and prevents constipation. In addition, fibre also plays a role in maintaining stable blood sugar levels, which is important for preventing insulin spikes that can lead to insulin resistance later in life. A fibre-rich diet is also associated with a reduced risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Cultural and Local Adjustments
The free healthy food programme also considers menu adjustments based on local and cultural preferences. Children in Eastern Indonesia, for example, may favour fish as a source of protein, whereas in Java, chicken and eggs are preferred. These adjustments are important not only to ensure food acceptance, but also to maintain the sustainability of the programme and a nutritional balance that suits local conditions.
By considering various aspects of nutrition and health, as well as local adjustments, the free healthy food programme is expected to support the optimal growth and development of Indonesian children. This step is not only important to prevent malnutrition issues such as stunting and anaemia, but also to ensure that Indonesian children have a healthier and more productive future.
Photo Credit: KOMPAS.com/NIRMALA MAULANA A
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