There is a lot of discussion nowadays about vegetarianism. Parents who eat only dairy products and plant foods, categorically do not include meat in the diet of their children. However, doctors say that a child can not do without animal protein.
What is useful meat for a child
Proponents of vegetarianism believe that plant and dairy products contain all the necessary minerals and vitamins necessary for children’s health. However, such statements do not stand up to criticism from doctors and scientists. The fact is that plant foods do not have a lot of unique elements that are abundant in meat. These include:
- Eight types of amino acids in essential proteins that a child’s body can get only through regular consumption of animal foods. In plant foods there are proteins, but they are very poorly digested. In addition, the baby’s body produces essential amino acids only after 18 months. In the absence of 8 species of animal amino acids in infants poorly developed skeletal and muscular system, deteriorating psychomotor skills. Vegetarian crumbs under 1 year of age often get sick and do not gain enough weight. It is animal proteins that normalize many processes of physiology, produce protective antibodies from viral infections, forming new cells.
- Iron is the main mineral substance, without which the proper biosynthesis of hemoglobin is impossible, which leads to a weakening immunity. Of course, plant foods contain iron, but not in such quantities as in meat. Lack of this mineral threatens the child with decreased vision, oxygen starvation of the brain, dizziness, memory impairment, anemia. In addition, the iron contained in meat is absorbed by 25%, and in plant products by only 2-3%.
- B vitamins and calcium. Meat products contain much more calcium and vitamins B12, B2. Deficiency of these trace elements leads to anemia, metabolic disorders, rickets, brittle hair and nails, muscle atrophy. Calcium strengthens the bone system, promotes its development and growth.
- Zinc is a vital element that is virtually absent in plant foods. Impaired hematopoietic system and hormone production, vision problems, immunity and carbohydrate metabolism – the consequences of zinc deficiency in the body.
- Fatty acids. Meat itself is a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which ensure the normal functioning of the brain and the development of the baby’s body. Deficiency of fatty acids, such as omega 3, leads to a weakening of mental abilities.
In addition, meat contains a sufficient amount of vitamin D, which prevents the excretion of calcium and strengthens bones. Also, due to the consumption of meat, the child receives the required dose of potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. Not many parents know that cholesterol produces sex hormones and a lot of cellular elements. Therefore, without the normalized concentration of cholesterol in food, the child’s body will not be able to fully develop.
At what age to include meat in the diet of the baby?
Once the child gets used to the porridge, fruits and vegetables, it’s time to include meat in the feed. The age of the baby can be from 6-9 months. To prepare the digestive system for the digestion of animal protein, it must be introduced into the diet gradually. In six months you can mix 10-15 g of minced meat with vegetable puree and give it at lunch. Up to 8 months, doctors recommend feeding babies meat purees up to 30 grams per day. Up to 70 years of age, up to 70 grams of meat without salt is added to the diet. When a few teeth appear after 11-12 months, the crumbs can be given small pieces of meat so that he learns to chew the high-energy product well.
Up to 80 grams of meat per day in the form of puree or meatballs – the norm for children aged one and a half to two and a half years. Also during this period, up to 5 times a week, parents can safely feed their kids steam cutlets. For 120 g of meat per day should be eaten by children from 2.5-3 years and older. After 5-6 years, the child should include in the daily menu at least 100 grams of meat. At the same time we must not forget that each baby is individual, as well as his daily need for meat.
Children should not be fed sausages, but pure poultry, beef, pork or rabbit. Preference is given to turkey or chicken, as well as lean beef. It is better to introduce lamb or pork in the feed as late as possible. Healthy baby food necessarily includes environmentally friendly offal: liver, tongue, kidneys, heart. Once or twice a week, the meat should be replaced with lean fillets of sea or river fish.
Remember that sausages or smoked sausage are extremely harmful foods for children under 5 years old! Do not give children under two years of age and meat broth, which after boiling accumulates harmful substances that adversely affect the gastric mucosa and in most cases cause allergic reaction. Recommended vegetable broth.
Features of meat nutrition for children
Today, baby food departments sell many types of meat and vegetable puree with a balanced composition. But you can cook meat food yourself. Peel a chicken and remove the cling film from the beef, then boil the meat for 15 minutes, rinse and boil again in salted water until cooked over low heat. Then grind the product in a blender with vegetables. It is not necessary to combine meat with mashed potatoes or porridge, putting a heavy load on the baby’s digestive system. To preserve all the proteins, vitamins and minerals, meat is often steamed. The ideal option for the first feeding – rabbit, which contains more than 21% animal protein.
Complete, balanced nutrition, love, attention and care – the key to good health of your baby!
