Since a few years the use of seeds in food is very fashionable. Products that until recently we did not take into account or were not even aware of. Scientific studies ensure that the seeds have exceptional nutritional properties.
It’s important to know this kind of superfood because it can provide significant benefits in a very simple way. But it is not the same to talk about food to an adult as it is to a child. Especially when children are young, we have to be very careful about including certain foods in their diet.
What kinds of seeds do we find in our food?
When the term ‘seeds’ comes to mind, the concept of those little seeds forgotten in our food. There is a wide variety and it is sunflower, pumpkin, wheat, flax, sesame, millet, etc.
The seeds
All these seeds should not be missing in everyone’s diet, included in the diet of the little ones. Although it may seem like a very insignificant food, it contains many important nutrients within our food group. Contribute fatty acids the equivalent of fish, even offers calcium, much easier to absorb than those of animal origin and much iron and protein.
Let’s know the different kinds of seeds, so that we will know whether they are indicated or not, in our children’s diets. In this way we avoid taking unnecessary risks, especially when we are talking about children.
Among the most popular seeds are:
- Chia seeds
- Flaxseed or linseed
- poppy seed
- Sesame
- sunflower seeds
- pumpkin seeds
- Fennel seed
Among the properties found under the nutritional values of the seeds, we have the antioxidants, high amounts of fiber, calcium and vegetable proteins. The seeds contain a important source of omega-3 fatty oils. Very important for food.
Of all the seeds we have listed, the most beneficial for feeding children would be: sesame seeds. Due to their source of calcium and zinc, they are especially recommended for pregnant or lactating women, growing children and people with osteoporosis.
Therefore, we can say that it is advisable not only to use seeds in infant nutrition, but also: It is very beneficial for their development..
On the market we can find all kinds of seeds. So it’s easy to have the ones that best suit the needs of each family.
Also, the seeds can be consumed in different waysso that you can offer them to children without hardly noticing that they are eating them.
You can include them in breakfast, in yogurt, or even use them to make homemade breads and desserts. They are also a perfect accompaniment to all kinds of salads and mash.
Legumes and nuts
Within the group of seeds we should not disregard the group of legumes or nuts. Although it may not seem like it, they are also seeds and it is also very important to include it in a child’s diet, due to its incredible array of nutrients.
- nuts: They provide a wide range of nutrients including vitamins, magnesium, minerals such as potassium for the muscles and heart; calcium, for the formation of bones and teeth and to balance the nervous system.
- legumes: They are also essential in the diet, providing protein, iron, B vitamins and calcium.
When to introduce the seeds into the diet of children?
Children should introduce this type of food from 6 months, although we will specify it step by step.
The seeds
Taking small seeds can be taken without any problems. The best option is that they are ecological and natural. They can be perfectly incorporated into your diet in a crushed form as they are a great addition to your diet. Pumpkin seeds, for example, are very rich in iron and magnesium. every seedIt can be crushed into butter, cream, puree or porridge.
Ideas for preparing the seeds: In some muffins you can add a pinch of flaxseed, a few tablespoons of almond or walnut powder. It gives a nice taste, just like mixing it in homemade cookie dough.
can also introduction cereal type seeds varied in the yogurt along with a few pieces of fruit. Flax seeds are ideal because of their high nutritional value and pleasant taste.
legumes
Legumes can be introduced from that age. A small amount of legumes should be administered in puree accompanied by fruits and vegetables. It is good to do it this way to get the body used to new foods that are more difficult to ingest.
dried fruit
Nuts also have their reason for being introduced into babies’ diets. It is recommended to offer them from 12 months, but you have to be very careful how you take them. Choking in children is usually more likely due to the ingestion of nuts.
So they can take them with full warranty they can be crushed in any dish that’s based on mashed potatoes, or when you’re going to make some kind of pastry, like biscuits or biscuits and where they are crushed and camouflaged. It is not convenient to offer them if they contain salt or sugar.
Also, It is a food that usually causes many allergies, but the fact that it is taken from one year onwards reduces any chances of developing an allergy in the long term. An allergy is nothing more than a confusion of the immune system, which is triggered by thinking there is an infection. If the child already eats nuts regularly, it is not recommended to take them if they have fever, diarrhea, vomiting or if they need to be vaccinated. This way we won’t confuse the defense system much more.
So don’t hesitate to use this superfood, is highly recommended, especially in the diet of adults. But don’t hesitate to use it with children, as long as it is responsible. And that do not use as a supplement to other foodsnecessary for the proper growth of children.
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