At what age can a child have dried fruits: rules for introducing them into the diet. Beneficial and healing properties of figs Fig facial toner

Figs are the fruits of the fig tree, or fig tree, the same one whose leaves helped the ancestors of mankind, Adam and Eve, to cover their nakedness.

But this is not the only thing that made the fig tree famous.

Over its long history, it has brought a lot of benefits. The benefits and harms of figs have been known to people since ancient times.

For example, the soldiers of Alexander the Great, going to distant lands, always hung a bag of dried figs on their belts. They knew that gruel from crushed figs would help quickly heal wounds, and after a hard battle or march, just a few fruits would relieve fatigue.

The beneficial properties and contraindications of figs are due to its vitamin and mineral composition. The fruits of the fig tree are surprisingly tasty, but do not last long. Therefore, most often you can see figs in dried (dried) form. But even in this form it does not lose its properties, and even acquires new ones.

The fruits of the fig tree are surprisingly tasty, but do not last long. Therefore, most often you can see figs in dried (dried) form. But even in this form it does not lose its properties, and even acquires new ones.

This table shows how the value of dried fruits increases.

After drying, the content of macro- and microelements in figs increases significantly - manganese, copper, selenium, zinc and others:

• it contains 10 times (!) more sodium than fresh;
• almost 3 times more potassium;
• calcium increases approximately 5 times,
• magnesium in 4,
• iron 3 times,

Therefore, to replenish phosphorus, it is better to eat fresh fruits. And in terms of beneficial properties and potassium content, dried figs are second only to nuts.

In terms of the amount of iron, fig tree fruits are superior to the most powerful supplier - the apple.

The beneficial properties and contraindications of fresh figs largely depend on the concentration of vitamins. So, in fresh and dried form, figs contain:

• vitamin C,
• nicotinic acid, beta-carotene,
• thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), vitamin E.

Figs also contain:

• organic acids,
• pectins and enzymes.

The coating that appears on dried fruits contains fructose, glucose, lysine, aspartic acid, asparagine and some citric and malic acids.

Beneficial properties of fresh and dried figs

Eating it fresh or dried helps:

• recover quickly
• improve digestion, help the heart, liver and stomach,
• cure cough and sore throat,
• have a laxative effect,
• save from poisoning by helping the kidneys and liver remove toxins.

Fresh fig pulp:

• can cure fungal diseases,
• strengthens bones,
• has a beneficial effect on the skin, reduces blood sugar.

Fresh juice is good for anemia, increasing the level of hemoglobin in the blood.

Dried figs will compensate for the lack of vitamins and other substances necessary for normal human life. It is impossible to overestimate its role in the treatment of the cardiovascular system.

The benefit of fresh figs is that it eliminates tachycardia. And thanks to the ficin content, it thins the blood, reduces the amount of “bad” cholesterol and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and thrombosis.

Therefore, its use is a good prevention of coronary heart disease, reduces the risk of heart attack and hypertension.

For treatment, both the fig tree fruits themselves and infusions (decoctions) from them are used. Infusions have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effects and regulate metabolic processes. Fig infusions with milk are especially good.

It’s not difficult to prepare them:

• you need to pour 40 g of dried fruits with one glass of water or milk,
• wait 5–6 hours until the fruits give all their strength to the milk,
• and drink small portions throughout the day.

This infusion is very useful for colds - it reduces fever and has a diaphoretic effect. It also has a healing effect for a diseased liver or spleen.

The medicinal properties of figs are used for the treatment and prevention of urolithiasis and cystitis. In this case, the roots and leaves of the fig tree are used as an astringent. The milky juice of the fig tree removes sand from the kidneys and treats purulent wounds and tumors that do not heal for a long time.

For older people, fig helps to cope with fragility and fragility of bones, improve vision, improve tone and overall well-being.

Eating figs significantly reduces the likelihood of developing diabetes, atherosclerosis and thrombophlebitis.

All of the above is already quite enough to take its rightful place among the healthiest fruits, but the benefits of figs are not limited to this.

What are the benefits of figs for men?

The beneficial properties of figs for men are that the active substances contained in the sweet fruit effectively cope with impotence. Wineberry (another name for this fruit) is a natural and very effective way to combat sexual weakness in men.

In the east, it has long been consumed as a means of enhancing potency at any age.

It is enough to soak 2 fruits in a glass of warm milk and leave them overnight, and the next morning drink the infusion and eat the pulp.

Figs will also help defeat such an unpleasant male disease as prostatitis.

In folk medicine the following recipe is used:

1. You need to take 5 fruits and pour a glass of hot water over them.
2. Mix thoroughly, leave for a little while and drink this drink twice a day. glass half an hour before meals.

Treatment is carried out for one month, the course can be repeated if necessary after 2-3 weeks.

What benefits can figs bring to women?

Women are usually very concerned about being overweight and often resort to various dubious means to lose weight. But there is an absolutely safe and effective way to get rid of extra pounds without grueling diets, chemical drugs and painful exercises.

Just 2-3 fruits a day - and after a while the body will acquire the desired lightness and harmony.

The beneficial properties of figs used for weight loss are determined by the calorie content of fresh fruits. It was said above that natural fruits contain much less calories, so fresh figs will be more useful for weight loss.

To correct your figure, a diet is suitable when you have a fasting “fig” day once a week. On this day you need to eat 100 g of dried fruits, 1 kg of any raw fruit, 0.5 kg of vegetables and drink 2 liters of low-fat kefir.

Another problem that many lovers of high heels face is varicose veins. If you include a few figs in your daily diet, you can avoid unsightly protruding veins and preserve the beauty and health of your legs for a long time.

Syrup from the fruits of the fig tree will help in the treatment of diseases of the female intimate sphere - it will eliminate such a female nuisance as leucorrhoea (discharge due to fungal and other diseases).

Many women use the beneficial properties of figs during pregnancy.

Thanks to the wealth of nutrients, its fruits will support the health of mother and baby with vitamins, macro- and microelements and other substances necessary during this period.

If the expectant mother experiences rapid weight gain, then figs will help adjust her diet in such a way as to stabilize her weight without harming the baby.

Almost every pregnant woman faces difficulties with bowel movements. Eating figs helps to quickly get rid of the problem, having a delicate laxative effect.

Figs are also useful for pregnant women because they help cope with iron deficiency anemia. Just 1-2 fruits daily for breakfast will quickly raise the level of hemoglobin in the blood.

When feeding a child, it is very important that a sufficient amount of calcium enters the woman’s body. Unfortunately, if you are intolerant to milk and dairy products, they have to be replaced with artificial drugs.

In this case, figs will be a healthy and tasty alternative. But it should be introduced into the diet of a nursing mother with caution, as this fruit can cause diarrhea and bloating in the child.

The beneficial properties of figs for women also include the fact that the fruits of the fig tree enhance lactation, and when mastitis appears, they become a natural medicine. Fruits steamed in milk, if applied to the breast at the site of the abscess, can easily cope with inflammation.

The benefits of figs for a child

Many mothers wonder whether these sweet fruits can be given to children. It is not only possible, but also necessary, of course, if the child has no contraindications.

What are the benefits of figs for a baby? First of all, fig fruits are an excellent natural vitamin preparation that can replace any purchased vitamin complexes.

Secondly, for colds, figs are an excellent substitute for medications. A drink made from dried figs with milk, butter and honey is an excellent natural remedy for any type of cough.

Syrup made from figs is a very good tonic for babies - it will improve digestion and increase appetite.

In addition, a bowl of dried figs instead of sweets can be an excellent substitute for store-bought sweets, but you must keep in mind its laxative effect.

If a child has problems with stool, then puree from these fruits normalizes intestinal function.

When including figs in your baby’s diet, you should do this gradually, starting with very small quantities and carefully monitoring the body’s reaction.

To summarize, we can say that the spectrum of effects of fig tree fruits is very wide, therefore figs and preparations made from them are used in the treatment and prevention of many diseases:

• anemia;
• infections;
• fungi;
• oncology;
• musculoskeletal system;
• nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine systems;
• skin, oral cavity and respiratory organs;

In addition, fig is used to improve brain function, boost immunity, as an aphrodisiac, and also in the treatment of female and male diseases.

Harm of figs

Fresh figs can practically not cause harm to the body of a healthy person. But its fruits should not be consumed in case of acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and gout.

Dried fruits, due to their high sugar content, are contraindicated for patients with diabetes and are not recommended for those who are overweight. People with urolithiasis should be careful when including it in their diet.

The harm of figs for pregnant women, as well as its benefits, is of great importance. During pregnancy, it is forbidden to eat figs if a woman is gaining weight too quickly, has gestational diabetes, or suffers from any kidney disease.

Figs have minimal contraindications, but this does not mean that a healthy person can consume them in any quantity. In everything you need to observe moderation and common sense - for prevention, 2-4 pieces a day are enough.

How to eat and cook figs?

As a means to quickly satisfy hunger, figs are suitable in fresh or dried form. It is much healthier than sweets, chocolates and other sweets that are often consumed as a snack.

Dried fruits can be consumed like regular dried fruits. However, it is better to pour boiling water over it or steam it. The second option will help preserve all the benefits of the fruit.

Fresh figs make a delicious dessert if you simply cut the fruits into slices and top them with whipped cream or sweet sour cream sauce. And in combination with soft cheese, figs turn into an excellent snack that complements the taste of champagne or white wine.

It goes well with meat and poultry.

For example, it gives stewed pork a completely unusual exotic taste and aroma.

If you want something more interesting, then for a festive feast you can bake chicken in Greek. It is guaranteed to amaze guests and household members.

And preparing this dish is quite simple:

• marinate chicken legs
• put them in a baking dish,
• placing fig slices between the pieces of meat,
• and keep in the oven for about an hour.

It turns out that figs, despite the inherent sweetness of the fruit, are used to prepare many tasty and healthy dishes with added sugar: jam, marmalade, marshmallows, compotes or even wine.

Fig jam retains almost all of its beneficial properties and is prepared without much difficulty.

Fig jam has the greatest number of beneficial properties. To cook according to the classic recipe you will need:

• 1 kg fresh or dried fruits (medium size),
• 1 kg granulated sugar,
• 300 ml of water and a little citric acid.

Wash the figs, remove the “tails” and pierce each fruit with a toothpick in several places. Then pour water into a saucepan and boil it. Pour the figs into boiling water and cook for 10 minutes.

After this, remove the fruits and rinse them with cold water. Dry the figs on a dry towel. While the figs are drying, you need to make a syrup: add sugar to water (300 ml) and put on fire. Cook while stirring until you get a homogeneous mass.

Place the dried fruits in it and cook for about 40 minutes or a little more (this depends on the ripeness of the fruits). At the end of cooking, add citric acid and mix everything thoroughly. Place the jam in sterilized jars.

The benefits of fig jam are that it can be used as a medicine for colds and as a vitamin supplement to your daily diet.

The fruits of the fig tree have a healing effect on the body; it is not without reason that they have been used in folk medicine since ancient times. But even today, figs have not lost any of their healing power and can serve well for those who prefer to be treated with natural remedies.

Against the backdrop of entirely artificial drugs that cause a lot of side effects, figs become an almost ideal alternative that has a beneficial effect on health.

Figs are safe and extremely beneficial if you follow just two rules - do not eat them after 6 pm (otherwise insomnia is guaranteed) and do not consume more than 160 g per day.

Figs, or figs, are eaten mainly in dried form. This is one of the most popular dried fruits, which benefits the health of not only adults, but also children. It has natural laxative and antimicrobial properties, promotes digestion, strengthens the immune system, protects liver cells and spleen. But when can you give figs to children? Today we will answer this question.

Figs can and should be included in baby food. This fruit is quite high in calories (107 kcal per 100 g of dehydrated fruit), contains vitamins and minerals, 17 amino acids and fatty acids (mainly linolenic) necessary for a child, and has numerous beneficial properties.

1. Source of vitamins and minerals(iron, copper, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, etc.), important for the formation of body structures and the development of the child’s brain.
2. Contributes to work gastrointestinal tract. It is especially useful for children with a weak digestive system who need very soft, tender food.
3. Laxative properties Ripe figs are given fiber, which absorbs water well, participates in the formation of feces, improves intestinal motility and prevents constipation.
4. Antibacterial and antipyretic effects significant for young children who are most susceptible to microbial infections.
5. Hepaprotective properties figs are aimed at the prevention and treatment of such common ailments among babies as jaundice and hepatitis.
6. Natural polyphenols in the product strengthen the immune system crumbs improve overall health and form natural defenses against pathogens in the body.
7. Due to its high iron content, figs are a good preventative against anemia.
8. Fresh figs good for teeth and gums, because it successfully copes with bacteria in the oral cavity. While the viscous, sticky texture of dried fruits, on the contrary, can bring a visit to the dentist closer.

The nutritional value of 100 g of dried figs is presented in the table.

When and in what form should I give it?

Ideally, your child should be given fresh and ripe figs. But if you don’t live in the Krasnodar region, where locals harvest three crops a year, you’ll have to be content with dried fruits.

The main disadvantage of dried figs is their hard, dense structure, which makes chewing difficult. The problem is solved by steaming or boiling. Do not rush to pour out the remaining liquid after this, because it contains valuable substances and can be given to your baby instead of compote.

If there are no contraindications, drinks from dried figs and fresh puree are introduced into the children's diet in small quantities from 9-12 months.

As for dried fruits and raw fruits, they begin to feed babies from 1.5-2 years old, half of them, gradually increasing the amount to 1-2 pieces per day.

A 4-5 year old child can already eat 3-4 fruits per day. But you still shouldn’t give figs to your fidget every day. Be sure to take breaks for several days or a week.

When introducing your baby to figs for the first time, be sure to conduct a sensitivity test. Over the next 4 days, carefully monitor the baby’s condition: there are no signs of allergies, colic, or problems with stool. During this period, it is important not to offer other new diet items. If all is well, you can start feeding your baby figs on a regular basis.

Harm in childhood

Figs, both fresh and dried, are generally safe for children’s health, but can still be harmful if:

• the baby is allergic to figs and related plants;
• the baby often experiences diarrhea;
• have gastrointestinal diseases or gout;
• the child is prone to overweight.

Possible side effects: allergic rashes, runny nose, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, dizziness. If one or more of these symptoms occur, feeding figs should be stopped immediately and medical attention should be sought.

Ripe fruits exude a small amount of milky juice (latex), which causes an allergic response in some people upon contact with the skin. For this reason, it is recommended to wash figs thoroughly before using them in baby food.

• When choosing fresh figs pay attention to large ripe specimens without spots on the skin or signs of bruises. This is especially true if you make a purchase in hot weather, since even slightly bruised figs may not make it home. Depending on the variety, figs are found in a pale green hue with barely visible purple veins, dark purple or purple. Dark varieties are sweeter and more aromatic and contain more antioxidants, but the risk of an allergic reaction to them is slightly higher.
• When choosing dried figs For baby food, you should trust only reputable brands that produce their products in sealed packaging. It is better not to buy dried fruits in bulk for your child - during the sale they have time to absorb dust and other pollutants.

Fresh figs spoil quickly and can be stored in the air for no more than 3 days and up to one week in the refrigerator. When dried, the product can be stored much longer - in a cool, dry place or in the same refrigerator.

Children's recipes

Fresh fig puree

Take 2 fresh, ripe medium-sized fruits, rinse thoroughly, remove the thin covering skin and grind in a blender.

This puree can be given to your baby not only as an independent dish, but also as an addition to your favorite porridge or yogurt.

Dried fig puree

1. Wash and soak 2-3 dried fruits in warm water for half an hour.
2. Grind in a blender and strain, draining excess liquid.
3. To achieve optimal consistency, add a little breast milk or infant formula.

Place excess puree in an ice tray and freeze for up to 3 months.

Compote

Compote is usually prepared from dried fruits. There are two options:

• Soak a couple of thoroughly washed fruits in a small amount of water overnight, and in the morning strain the infused liquid to give to your baby.
• Boil dried figs in water in the same way as you would cook any other compote for the children's menu. At first, do not try to prepare a concentrated drink. The more tender it turns out, the better.

Baked figs

The recipe is interesting because the fruit becomes even sweeter during baking.

1. Drizzle 8 figs with a little olive oil (no more than 1 tsp) and place in a preheated oven.
2. Bake for 20 minutes until the skins are wrinkled and the fruits are soft.
3. Serve warm or cold whole or puree.
4. For gourmets, 3-5 years before baking, each fruit can be filled with soft homemade cheese.

Figs are known for their healing properties. Due to its beneficial effects, this fruit is one of the riches of natural medicine and is used for cosmetic purposes. It strengthens the body and improves immunity, destroys bacteria and speeds up recovery from colds, flu and other infectious diseases. Let's figure out at what age you can give your child figs.

Characteristics and composition

Fresh figs are quite difficult to find in Russia. Here it is mainly sold in dried form. And fresh and natural fruits of the fig plant grow exclusively in the southern regions of the country. They have a neutral taste, reddish or yellow, less often purple. Dried fruits acquire a sweeter taste. At the same time, with proper drying, they fully retain the beneficial properties of fresh products.

When dried, the product becomes extremely tasty and is liked by many kids. It will become an alternative to candies and other sweets. At the same time, dried fruit contains much less sugar, which will not harm children’s teeth or cause an allergic reaction or problems with excess weight.

The fruit contains organic acids, sugar and fiber, vitamins B2, B1 and C, calcium and iron, magnesium and other important elements. Figs effectively cleanse the body and help with poisoning, normalize the condition of the body after intoxication. It actively participates in the formation of the bone skeleton and structure of the child’s body, in the development of the baby’s brain.

Figs are a means of preventing and treating rhinitis, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and influenza. It strengthens the immune system and increases the body's defenses, eliminates germs, and speeds up recovery from the flu or cold. Let's take a closer look at the benefits of figs.

Useful features

• Accelerates recovery during the flu, reduces fever and relieves fever;
• Relieves stress and anxiety, calms and relaxes, has a positive effect on the condition of nerve cells;
• Gives strength and vigor, provides energy and restores the body after physical activity;
• Positively affects the functioning of digestion and intestines, facilitates and accelerates the absorption and digestion of food;
• Normalizes metabolism and;
• Improves blood composition and is useful for anemia.
• Stabilizes heart function and strengthens blood vessels;
• Improves memory and stimulates brain activity;
• Improves sleep;
• Cleanses the body of toxins, toxins and other harmful substances;
• Strengthens bones and nails;
• Has a beneficial effect on the condition of hair and skin. Eliminates fungus on the skin and nails;
• Helps with sore throat and prolonged cough.

Is there any harm from figs?

While fresh figs are quite soft, dried fruit has a dense and hard structure that is difficult to chew. In addition, dry fruits negatively affect the condition of teeth. Therefore, to soften the structure, the berries are pre-soaked, steamed or boiled. By the way, the decoction after boiling can be used for drinking, gargling or washing.

Figs do not often cause allergies, but there is still a risk. It has been established that ripe fruits secrete a small amount of milky juice or latex, which provokes rashes and irritations on the skin, itching and other manifestations of an allergic reaction.

In large quantities, this product can negatively affect the child’s body, causing digestive disorders, pain and heaviness in the stomach, diarrhea and problems with stool. Due to the sugar content of approximately 20-25% of the composition, it can lead to excess weight and the development of diathesis.

Figs are prohibited for children with allergies and individual intolerances, with diabetes and excess weight, with inflammation and digestive problems, with pancreatitis and enteritis, with stomach diseases and frequent diarrhea. It is recommended to limit consumption of dried fruits if you have dental problems. Let's now find out when you can give figs to your child.

At what age should it be given?

If the baby has no allergies or digestive problems, you can give figs for up to a year. Pediatricians allow the introduction of dried fruits at 9-10 months. For the first time, the baby is given half a teaspoon of puree or decoction of this product. When your child tries a new component, carefully monitor his reaction and well-being.

Decoction for flu and colds

• Figs – 1 pc.;
• Water - 2 cups.

Rinse the berries and add water, wait until it boils and simmer for about half an hour. Strain the broth and rub the mixture on the chest and back up to four times a day. After the procedure, dress your baby in something warm to keep him warm longer. In addition, you can gargle with the resulting warm decoction every two to three hours.

Recipes for food and drinks

Purees for the little ones

Figs – 2 ripe or dried fruits.

Pre-soak the dried fruits in warm water for thirty minutes. Wash fresh figs and remove the skin. Grind the ingredients in a blender without adding salt, sugar or other spices. The resulting puree can be mixed with yogurt or porridge. Or add some breast milk, formula, or vegetable oil to the dish. With such a puree you can start introducing figs into

Baked figs

• Figs – 8 fresh fruits;
• Olive oil – 1 teaspoon.

Drizzle the fruit with oil and bake for twenty minutes. During this time, the figs will become soft inside and covered with wrinkled skin on the outside. At the same time, the product turns out sweeter than standard figs. The finished fruits can also be ground into puree or eaten as is. For a child over three years old, you can fill each fruit inside with soft cheese and then bake it.

Salad

• Chicken fillet – 0.3 kg;
• Lettuce – 100 gr;
• Fresh figs – 5 pcs.;
• Orange – 1 fruit;
• Goat cheese – 50 g;
• Olive oil – 3 tables. spoons.

Wash and dry the salad, peel the orange, cut the pulp over a plate so that the juice flows there. Cut the chicken fillet into long thin strips, lightly add salt, pour in orange juice and add olive oil. Leave to marinate for 15 minutes.

Cut each fig into halves and quickly fry in vegetable oil, literally ten seconds on each side. We also fry the chicken fillet separately. Place lettuce leaves on serving plates, combine chicken, figs and orange slices and place on salad. Cut the cheese into cubes and decorate the salad on top. If desired, salt and pepper the dish and season with olive oil.

Fig Pie

• Milk – 2 glasses;
• Corn flour - 1⁄2 cup;
• Egg yolk – 4 pcs.;
• Dried figs – 6 pcs;
• Raisins – 70 gr;
• Pine nuts – 50 g;
• Sugar – 150 gr.

Soak the raisins in hot water for twenty minutes. Wash the figs and cut into small pieces. Beat egg whites separately with sugar. In a separate container, mix the milk, add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Constantly stirring the hot milk mixture, pour it into the beaten yolks.

Gently add flour to the mixture and return to the heat. Cook for about seven minutes until the batter is thick and bubbly. At the same time, stir the mixture constantly. Place raisins, figs and nuts in the dough, mix thoroughly and place in a baking container. Bake for forty minutes at 180 degrees.

Smoothie

• Figs – 6 pieces;
• Banana – 2 pieces;
• Milk – 3⁄4 cup;
• Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons. spoons.

Rinse the figs, add warm water and leave for an hour. After this, dry the dried fruits with a paper towel. Peel the bananas and cut into small pieces. Place the ingredients in a blender, add milk and lemon juice, and blend until smooth.

Are you afraid to give? This is in vain! Scientists have found that this exotic fruit contains a lot of useful substances and vitamins, which the younger generation should not be deprived of.

Well, for example. Calcium, potassium, glucose, sucrose, organic acids, fructose, glyceric acid, carotenoids, pectin, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and much more. How do you like useful vitamins - A, B1, B2, B3, B6 and C? Of course, with this, other “methods” are needed, but the basic elements for health and beauty are present here. The dietary fiber contained in figs perfectly helps digest and absorb food. The fruit is useful for the prevention of gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Figs are good for children, and very good. Moreover, this This applies not only to fresh fruits, but also to dried ones, which, of course, are easier to purchase in our country. It's just a pity that we can't make it out of it.

If your baby doesn’t understand the taste of the product you’re giving him, don’t give up - figs make a delicious compote, very similar to a regular drink made from dried fruit (and this is dried fruit).

For a child’s health, figs are an indispensable source of microelements and vitamins necessary for the child’s body.

Traditional medicine even offers this fruit! For example, by preparing an infusion of figs, you can make anti-inflammatory rinses (colds, sore throats). And the juice of its leaves is used to wipe acne-prone skin...

Here is the useful “fig milk” for treating a throat that is given to a child from figs: 4 fruits should be added to cooled boiled milk. Leave for about half an hour, take warm four times a day. Excellent

If you mix figs, nutmeg, raisins and ginger in equal parts and make balls from them, they will become a good laxative for constipation - both children and adults.

The syrup from this product will be a good immunomodulator, however, the best thing is to eat fresh fruit and receive both pleasure and benefit!

From this article you will learn when you can introduce dried fruits into your child's diet. How to choose healthy and high-quality dried fruits and what to cook from them.

Are dried fruits good for children and at what age can they be included in the children's diet? Many parents ask such questions and would like to use dried fruits instead of harmful sweets and other confectionery sweets. And this is absolutely the right decision. Because dried fruits are a tasty and very healthy treat that can and should be used to enrich a child’s diet.

Composition and beneficial properties

In winter and spring, dried fruits will help replenish the lack of vitamins in the child’s body. Dried fruits contain large amounts of potassium, calcium and iron, and have a balanced ratio of fiber and organic matter. In addition, they contain pectins and enzymes that have a beneficial effect on the digestion process. Dried fruits are also very high in calories.

You can find various mixtures of dried fruits on sale. Depending on the components included in their composition, the beneficial properties of such mixtures will be different.

So, what are the benefits of dried fruits:

An immune mixture of various dried fruits or 1-2 dried fruits of the same type, eaten by the baby every day, will make up for the deficiency of vitamins and minerals and improve overall health. You can make delicious compotes based on this mixture, add them to cottage cheese and porridge, and make purees. It will also be useful to familiarize yourself with the calorie content of dried fruits:

At what age can it be given to children?

It is believed that the optimal age when you can give dried fruit to a child is 11 months. First, the baby is recommended to try dried apples and pears, cherries, which are added to porridge or compotes.

These should be dried fruits, and not candied fruits, called candied fruits. There will be no benefit from candied fruits, since, unlike dried fruits dried in the oven or in the sun without any additives, candied fruits are soaked in high concentration sugar syrup and only then subject to dehydration.

It is not recommended for a one-year-old child to include exotic dried fruits in his diet, so as not to provoke allergies. Depending on the dish, you can offer your baby about 50-100 g daily of this tasty and healthy delicacy - dried apples or prunes, pears and dried apricots.

Dried fruit mixture for immunity

For a child over three years old, you can prepare a classic mixture to increase the body's defenses.

We offer you an excellent recipe for immunity:

Ingredients:

• Take 300 g each - dried apricots, figs, prunes, walnuts;
• 2 lemons;
• 2 glasses of honey.

Preparation:

• Pass all components through a meat grinder, after washing and drying them.
• Twist the lemons together with the peel.
• Pour two glasses of honey over the ground mixture and mix well.
• Transfer the mixture into a glass jar, close the lid and put it in the refrigerator.

How to use:

The mixture is taken 1 teaspoon approximately 1 hour before meals, 2-3 times a day. At the same time, you must be sure that the child is not allergic to dried fruits, and there is also no negative reaction to other components of the mixture. It is recommended to consult your child's doctor.

We choose healthy and high-quality dried fruits

The benefits of dried fruits are beyond doubt, but only if these products are really high quality and not treated with preservatives. Traditionally, to increase shelf life, dried fruits are treated with substances based on sorbic acid - the manufacturer indicates them on the packaging under codes E200, E201, E202.

In small quantities, sorbic acid is safe for the child’s body, but sulfites and sulfur dioxide are truly dangerous. Fruits treated with these substances have an attractive appearance - they look shiny and brightly colored. Sulfur compounds can cause respiratory system diseases and gastrointestinal problems in the baby. Often cause allergic reactions. When choosing store-bought mixtures, try not to buy those that contain E220-226 substances.

Therefore, there is no need to choose dried fruits with a bright golden color. Such apricots or raisins are 100% treated with sulfur sulfites. Dried apricots, dried without additives or preservatives, will not have a shiny appearance at all, but rather a brown color. But the benefits from such dried fruits will be much greater. High-quality fruits should not be moldy or sticky; this indicates that the drying technology has been violated.

How to cook compote for a child

How to cook dried fruit compote for a child in order to preserve the nutrients as much as possible and not harm the baby’s health? If your baby is trying this drink for the first time, it is better to use an apple, dried apricots and prunes to prepare it. These fruits are less allergenic compared to others. Compote from this mixture can be introduced into a child’s diet from the age of seven months.

How to cook:

1. Take 50 g of a mixture of dried apples, prunes and dried apricots. Rinse thoroughly;
2. Pour the mixture with 500 ml of warm water, cover with a lid;
3. Leave for 8 hours;
4. Without draining the water, place the container on the stove. Boil over low heat.
5. Leave for 1 hour.

It is advisable not to use sugar. You can replace it with fructose or add some raisins. The compote can be stored for no more than a day. It is recommended to prepare this drink for your baby every day.

Contraindications

We found out whether children can have dried fruits. But along with the beneficial properties, dried fruits also have a number of contraindications. Among them:

• allergic reactions;
• diabetes;
• tendency to obesity;
• Gastrointestinal diseases - gastritis, peptic ulcer.

And a little last thing

A real storehouse of vitamins and minerals, a source of energy and a natural stimulant of the immune system, dried fruits must be present in a child’s diet. The main thing is to observe moderation, choose only high-quality and healthy fruits, and be sure to consult a pediatrician if you doubt the benefits of a particular product. Let your child grow up healthy!