Dried Fruits And Nuts To Improve Your Child’s Health

Dried fruits and nuts are called the powerhouse of nutrition, as they are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, antioxidants and dietary fibre. Here, we look at the top 10 dried fruits and nuts, and what it can do to improve your child's health. 

How dried fruits are made

Dried fruits are either dried naturally in the sun or using processing machines. Some of the commonly eaten dried fruits are raisins, dates, figs, apricots, prunes, kiwi, papaya and sweet lime. 

Nuts are fruits with a hard shell and seeds that are edible. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashew nuts, pecans, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, chestnuts and macadamia nuts are some of the popular ones.

When and how to introduce dried fruits and nuts to children?

Dried fruits and nuts can be introduced into your child's diet when she is around 7 to 9 months of age. But it should be done so, in the form of paste or powder to avoid any choking hazards. Dried fruits like dates, prunes and apricots can be cut into smaller pieces before given as snacks for toddlers. Children can be given whole dried fruits and nuts after the age of five years. However, it is still advisable to keep an eye on them to make sure they chew them well.

For children older than five, these make a quick and healthy snack option. Raw, dry-roasted and unsalted nuts are the healthiest, and it is best to avoid nuts and dried fruits with added salt or sugar.

Also, when you introduce nuts to your child's diet, you will also need to consider the possibilities of allergens that your child may react to. So keep a look out for that and consult your doctor should you have any concerns.

Other ways to add dried fruits and nuts to your child's diet:

• Sprinkle crushed almonds or pecans over a cup of low-fat yoghurt
• Add chopped walnuts to homemade banana bread
• Add dried fruits to porridges or puddings
• Stir a tablespoon of nut butter (almond or cashew butter) into pancakes or muffin batter

Dried fruits and nuts for your child’s health

Getting your child to eat healthy is extremely important for his overall growth and development. Dried fruits and nuts are highly rich in nutrients and come with a host of health benefits for your child. Let’s look at the top 10 dried fruits and nuts and their respective health benefits.

1. Almonds

Almonds are rich in phosphorus, which helps strengthen both bones and teeth. Almonds contain riboflavin and L-carnitine, two key nutrients that can support healthy brain function. Further, they are rich in dietary fibre that curbs overeating and unhealthy snacking.

Nutritive value of almonds (1 serving):

• Carbohydrate – 6.1 g
• Protein – 6 g
• Fat – 14.01 g
• Energy – 163 Kcal

2. Walnuts

Walnuts are a good source of omega 3 fatty acids which play a crucial role in you child's brain development. They are also high in minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and zinc.

Nutritive value of walnuts (1 serving)

• Carbohydrate – 3.9 g
• Protein – 4.3 g
• Fat – 18.49 g
• Energy – 185 Kcal

3. Pistachios or pistas

Pistachios are a good source of essential vitamins such as vitamin A, C, E, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine and folate. Each of these vitamins are essential and play an important role in maintaining the health of your child.

Nutritive value of pistas (1 serving)

• Carbohydrate – 7.8 g
• Protein – 5.7 g
• Fat –12.87 g
• Energy – 159 Kcal

4. Cashew nuts

This buttery nut contains high levels of antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which protects the eyes. They also contain high levels of magnesium that contribute to bone growth.

Nutritive value of cashew nut (1 serving)

• Carbohydrate – 8.6 g
• Protein – 5.2 g
• Fat – 12.43 g
• Energy – 157 Kcal

5. Pecans

This fibre-packed nut aids in digestion and facilitates regular bowel movements. For children who suffer from constipation, pecans can help relieve the condition. As a good source of vitamin B3, pecans help reduce fatigue in children.

Nutritive value of pecans (1 halve)

• Carbohydrate – 3.9 g
• Protein – 2.6 g
• Fat – 20.4 g
• Energy – 196 Kcal

6. Dried apricots

Dried apricots are high in dietary fibre, potassium, copper, niacin, iron and vitamin E (α-tocopherol) that are essential for a child's development. This dried fruit is particularly beneficial to eye health because it contains the highest amount of vitamin A (3604 IU/100 g).

Nutritive value of dried apricots (1 serving)

• Carbohydrate – 62.6 g
• Protein – 0.51 g
• Fat – 3.4 g
• Energy – 241 Kcal

7. Dried prunes

Prunes contain high levels of antioxidants called phenols, which protect the child's cell membranes from damage caused by free radicals. They are also a good source of vitamin C which helps boost the child's immune system.

Nutritive value of prunes (1 serving)

• Carbohydrate – 89.1 g
• Protein – 3.7 g
• Fat – 0.73 g
• Energy – 339 Kcal

8. Dates

Dates are packed with energy and are a good source of minerals like calcium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and zinc. It contains the highest amounts of iron. This helps prevent  anaemia, an iron deficiency, in children. They also contain vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin A, B6 and vitamin K.

Nutritive value of dates (1 serving)

• Carbohydrate – 75 g
• Protein – 1.8 g
• Fat – 0.15 g
• Energy – 277 Kcal

9. Raisins

Raisins are a great alternative to sugary treats which children usually like to eat. Studies have shown that raisins contain antibacterial properties that can reduce oral bacteria that contribute to dental cavities. Raisins are natural laxatives that help improve digestion and bowel movements.

Nutritive value of raisins (1 serving)

• Carbohydrate – 22.4 g
• Protein – 0.9 g
• Fat – 0.13 g
• Energy – 84.76 Kcal

10. Fig

Figs are a good source of calcium and phosphorus, which fosters the formation of the bones. They are also rich in fibre and hence helps in easy digestion. Studies have shown that figs possess certain liver-protecting properties and help prevent jaundice, which is common among infants and children.

Nutritive value of fig (1 serving)

• Carbohydrate – 63.9 g
• Protein – 3.3 g
• Fat – 0.93 g
• Energy – 249 Kcal

How much is too much?

Can your child have endless bowls of salted cashews? No, like everything else, even dried fruits and nuts need to be eaten within a limit. Here is the list of the recommended dose of dried fruits and nuts.

1 – 2 years: 2-3 nuts and 1-2 dried fruits/day

3 – 5 years: 2-3 nuts and 2-3 dried fruits/day

6 – 10 years: 4-5 nuts and 2-3 dried fruits/day

11+ years: 6-8 nuts and 3-4 dried fruits/day

Providing healthy snacks for children can help develop good eating habits that last a lifetime. Dried fruits and nuts are smart snack choices that are not only delicious but also nutritious. So, what more does a parent want when her child is eating healthy? Don't forget to pack nuts and dried fruits in your child's snack box or give it as an evening treat!

Courtesy - Parentcircle