Due to the rapid growth of allergic reactions in children to the use of sweets, many parents as an alternative to candy, marmalade, marshmallows, and other delicacies include in the daily diet of dried fruit.
Indeed, dried fruits are a concentrated source of vitamins and minerals necessary for the growth and development of the child. They can completely replace refined sugar, as some of them are sweeter than many berries and fruits. All dried fruits are rich in fiber and organic acids, thus improving digestion and metabolism in the body. In winter and spring, when fruits and vegetables are low in vitamins, the addition of dried fruits to the diet of children is especially important.
It is possible to feed dried fruits to children from the age of one and a half. It is best for kids to cook dried fruit compotes or add them in crushed porridge several times a day. However, these should be dried fruits, not candied dried fruits that are sold in the store.
The appetizing dried fruits sold in the store are not only dried but also treated with preservatives so that they can be stored for a long time. Most often, as a preservative used substances based on sorbic acid, which denotes E200, E201, E202. Sorbic acid in small doses is safe for children, and the danger is sulfites and sulfur dioxide, which are treated fruits to make them look attractive.
Prunes are ordinary prunes. With constipation in a child, it helps regulate bowel movements. Prunes are rich in nutrients and antioxidants. To choose prunes without preservatives, pay attention to their appearance. For baby food, choose shiny black prunes. Prunes should not be too sticky and have a brown color, all these are signs of improper processing of plums, which before drying were boiled in water for a long time or abundantly soaked in burnt sugar syrup.
Raisins are one of the first dried fruits, the decoction of which can be introduced to the baby in the first year of life. Pediatricians recommend using it for drinking with acetone, indigestion, or intestinal infections. The minerals contained in raisins stimulate the body to actively defend itself against pathogens. Raisins also stimulate the production of hemoglobin and erythrocytes.
Dried apricots – this dried fruit for children will be a natural source of magnesium. It is recommended for vulnerable children as a natural remedy for the nervous system at high loads or learning stresses. Dried apricots are used to dilate and clean blood vessels, it is useful for the kidneys and heart, brain.
Dried figs – this dried fruit has interesting properties. It contains such essential minerals as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium, they allow the prevention of diseases of the respiratory system and lungs. Dried figs are heated in milk, using this folk remedy for prolonged cough. Together with prunes and raisins, this dried fruit is used for problems with the gastrointestinal tract and digestion.
Dates are one of the sweetest dried fruits that children like as a dessert. Dates are especially useful during periods of active growth and exercise. Also, sweet dried fruits help to cope with problems of the cardiovascular system.
Any dried fruit can be used in the children’s menu as:
• an interesting addition to cereals (rice, semolina, oatmeal) and cheese;
• component of vegetable casserole and stew;
• an unusual side dish to meat;
• baking ingredients, etc.
With their help, you will help the child’s body cope with winter colds and spring beriberi.
