Those who have children are interested in what foods are allowed to be given to a small child. It is believed that eggplant can be given to a child from an early age, but mistakes in the introduction of nightshade vegetables will bring irreparable harm to the body of a little person.
Eggplant in the diet of children
Benefit
Among the substances useful for a young growing body, the composition includes:
- water - over 91%;
- ascorbic acid - about 5 mg per 100 g of product;
- organic acid;
- pectin;
- B-group vitamins: thiamine, B-carotene, riboflavin, folic acid;
- minerals and trace elements - fluorine, sodium, iodine, calcium and others.
Eggplant strengthens bone tissues and restores cartilaginous joints due to the content of phosphorus, zinc and copper in them. Iron has a beneficial effect on the blood composition, the cardiovascular system of the baby and gives the skin a slight glow. Potassium helps to normalize the water-salt balance in the body.
The positive properties also include a mild diuretic effect. It helps to stimulate the secretion of bile, and due to its high fiber content, it improves digestive processes and rid the body of toxins, toxins, and also removes excess fluid.
The vegetable contains only 21 kcal raw, 2 kcal stewed and up to 24 kcal baked. After drying or freezing, all useful substances are preserved in the fruits. Eggplants for children are an indispensable and necessary product in the diet, because the value of the nutrients that make up the fruit is confirmed by many doctors.
Minuses
The benefits of eggplant for a child are invaluable, but add this vegetable with care.
Eggplant contains a substance called solanine, which builds up as the vegetable ripens. The concentration of the harmful substance in overripe nightshade is too high. It is strictly forbidden to give overripe eggplant fruits to a child, because in frequent cases this leads to severe intoxication of the body.
Also, the vegetable is difficult to digest and creates a load on the baby's still fragile digestive gland.
Eggplant in the diet
It is recommended to give the vegetable to children from the age of three
So from what age is it allowed to give a child an eggplant? Eggplants should not be introduced into the diet of a one-year-old child. According to the recommendations of most pediatric doctors, acquaintance with them should be postponed until the age of 3 years. But at what age you can give eggplants to children - the parents decide for themselves. Sometimes the first test occurs at 2 years old. In this case, it is better to sample eggs from eggplant.
When buying a vegetable for a children's meal, pay attention to the following criteria:
- he must be young;
- the skin is smooth and has a lively sheen;
- no damage, dents or dark spots;
- green root on the stalk.
The main rule when cooking for babies is the heat treatment of the vegetable. The time of which should be at least 30-40 minutes.
For a child, the best way to prepare meals will be pieces of eggplant baked in the oven or boiled in a double boiler. Vegetable casseroles, which will include several other vegetables in addition to nightshade, such as tomatoes or potatoes, are also good food options for toddlers.
Eggplant stuffed with chicken meat or lean fish and rice grits is one of the tasty and healthy dishes.
Body reactions
Eggplants are classified as hypoallergenic foods, but after being consumed for the first time, allergic reactions may occur. The side effects of taking meals from nightshades are determined by:
- indigestion;
- vomiting;
- rashes;
- itching of the skin;
- tearing;
- cough;
- runny nose;
- puffiness in the face.
If such symptoms appear, you should immediately remove the vegetable from the child's menu. The second attempt to introduce into the diet is carried out not earlier than a month after the first.
Sometimes there is such a type of allergy as cumulative. The symptomatology is similar to the usual one, but it appears after several meals, or in the case when the baby has consumed eggplant for several days in a row. If you identify an allergy, be sure to contact a pediatrician or an allergist. The consequences can be anaphylactic shock, and even fatal.
Eggplant. Health benefits and harms.
Eggplant benefits and harms. Eggplant cultivation and consumption
Conclusion
The child's first intake of eggplant should be strictly controlled. When properly prepared and consumed in moderation, your baby will benefit from the dietary product.