Citrus fruits on the child's menu
Citrus fruits are among the most common exotic fruits. Oranges, tangerines, grapefruits contain many useful vitamins and minerals that children need. At the same time, citrus fruits are introduced into the child's diet gradually.
Citrus fruits on the child's menu
The benefits of citrus fruits for children
Citrus fruits contain vitamins, pectins, phytoncides, dietary fiber and fiber. All of these elements are essential for growth. They effectively protect against colds, flu, normalize the work of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems.
Citrus fruits also help:
- cleanse the body of toxins and toxins;
- help with hypovitaminosis;
- cure respiratory diseases;
- improve the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates;
- cleanse the body of nitrates and nitrites;
- improve appetite;
- normalize the digestive system.
Introducing orange into the diet
Citrus fruits are not recommended for children under one year old. At such an early age, it often causes an allergic reaction. Also, exotic fruits put a strain on the digestive system. The risk of getting a negative reaction only decreases by 3 years of age.
Also, the age at which citrus fruits are allowed depends on the state of health. With increased acidity or a tendency to allergies, you should not introduce these fruits into the diet at all.
From the age of 5-6 years, you can eat a whole fruit, but not more than 3 times a week. Too much citrus fruit causes pseudo-allergies. This is a phenomenon in which symptoms appear, but the child does not have the allergy itself.
Rules for the introduction of citrus fruits in the children's menu:
- citrus juice is diluted with water in a 1: 1 ratio and given after a meal;
- citrus fruits are given in the morning after meals;
- monitor the reaction of the body (redness of the skin, rash, swelling of the lips or tongue);
- do not give new products on the same day.
Citrus dishes for children
Orange juice gives a boost of vivacity
It is useful to add oranges and tangerines to cereals and salads. Orange juice invigorates and refreshes, while desserts with citrus are healthy and tasty.
From the age of 2, salads from fruits and vegetables are introduced into the menu; it is recommended to add oranges to them from the age of 3. This fruit is combined with cheese, chicken fillet, fish. For refueling, take vegetable oils, yogurt or kefir. Fruit must be peeled.
Citrus jams are also good for children. For their preparation, not only the pulp is used, but also the zest or rind. Other fruits and berries are also added to the jam.
The less the jam is prepared, the more vitamins will be retained in it. Fruit drink is also made from jam. For this, 1 tbsp. l. delicacies are bred in 1 tbsp. water and in this way replace the juice from the store.
Candied oranges are a good alternative to store-bought sweets. The peel contains phytoncides, which are especially useful in the autumn-winter period.
Candied fruits are added to desserts and cereals or given as an independent dish. Large amounts of carbohydrates are harmful for overweight and diabetes.
Juices from oranges and tangerines are introduced last, when the baby is at least 3 years old.Do not consume more than 30-50 ml per day for a preschool child. From 6 years old, the daily amount is 70-100 ml.
Contraindications
Negative effects can occur if a child ate too many citrus fruits in one meal. Vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion, rash occurs.
A large number of acids irritate the mucous membranes, and the sugar in the composition disrupts the metabolism of carbohydrates. Citruses are contraindicated for:
- stomach ulcer;
- pancreatitis;
- gastritis;
- diabetes mellitus;
- citrus allergies.
Citruses are contraindicated for a nursing mother. When breastfeeding (breastfeeding), they can cause colic, a rash, or an upset stomach in your baby. If a woman is not allergic to citrus fruits, she can start eating citrus fruits when the baby is 6 months old.
Conclusion
Citrus fruits contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals that the body needs. But they begin to be introduced into the children's diet no earlier than when the child turns 3 years old. It is important to do this gradually, in small portions.
Remember to be careful. From how long to give a child citrus depends on the characteristics of his body. Citruses are contraindicated for stomach diseases and allergies. If you enter these fruits in the menu correctly, there will be no negative consequences.
