Nuts are a favorite of many adults and children. However, introducing them into the child's diet, it is worth thinking about how to bring the baby the greatest benefit and avoid negative consequences.
The benefits of nuts in baby food
On the one hand, nuts are extremely beneficial for the child's body. They are a source of protein that is similar in nutritional value to animal protein. Peanuts are especially rich in protein.
Also, nuts contain unsaturated fatty acids, which are necessary for the child's body for normal development and growth. The largest amounts of fat are found in hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and peanuts. Of particular importance are omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are rare but present in walnuts.
Finally, nuts are rich in vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, iodine, iron and cobalt. The largest amount of vitamin E and minerals is found in hazelnuts, slightly less in walnuts and pine nuts.
Age limit
Like any product, nuts, in addition to being useful, can also be harmful, so it is worth weighing as much as possible all the possible consequences before giving them to a child. Pediatricians all over the world agree that nuts are absolutely contraindicated for a child up to three years old.
Firstly, any nuts are hard to digest, and a child's immature digestive system simply cannot cope with it, hence abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and other consequences.
Secondly, nuts are highly allergenic, and children are much more at risk of allergies than adults. And if in adults this ailment manifests itself mainly in a rash, runny nose and sneezing, in children the consequences can be much more serious, up to suffocation.
Thirdly, nuts are quite a high-calorie delicacy, 100 g of this product contains 500-600 Kcal, so babies prone to obesity should be given them with caution.
In addition, nuts are prone to mold growth. They also often attract insects, so it is better to buy them in their original form and clean them yourself. Before giving the nuts to the child, they must be thoroughly washed and dried. Most often, peanuts are of poor quality.
And, finally, a small child can simply choke on a nut.
Thus, healthy children who do not suffer from allergies and are not inclined to be overweight can include nuts in the diet after reaching the age of three, for a variety of taste sensations and to increase the nutritional value of the diet. It is worth starting with one nut a day and carefully monitoring the body's response to a new product. Later, if you are convinced that the child has normal stools, he feels good, and he does not have a stomach ache, from eating nuts, you can give 30-40 g of nuts a couple of times a week.
