Raisins can provide a lot of health benefits to children as they are rich source of iron and carbohydrates. Raisins can be an alternative to sugary and unhealthy candies and chocolates for children. Read more about the health benefits of raisins for children. Are you aware that raisins are an excellent
snack option for children? Instead of offering children snacks which are high in refined sugar and fats try giving kids raisins which are tasty and healthy at the same time. A small serving of raisins can provide kids fiber and iron with very little sodium and fat.
However, it is important to bear in mind the fact that although raisins contain no added sugar, they do contain the sugar which is naturally present in grapes before dehydration. Hence excessive intake of this dry fruit must be avoided and raisins must be eaten in moderate quantities by both kids and adults.
Good amount of iron is present in a raisin which is needed by kids for growth, energy and oxygen. The carbohydrates in raisins offer low-fat energy. Raisins are a healthy alternative to candy and sugary sweets which children usually like to eat. Raisins come in different colors, sizes and taste. You can offer kids a mix of raisins in different colors to tempt them. Raisins can be eaten as it is or mixed with other foods. It can be used for garnishing main dishes or can be blended into pancakes, breads and other baked food items to add fiber and extra iron.
Benefits of Raisins for Children
Following are some of the specific health benefits of consuming raisins:
1. Constipation: Raisins are one of the oldest home remedies for treating constipation in kids. To make use of raisins you must soak handful raisins in a glass of water overnight. Drinking the water on an empty stomach the following morning will help in regularising bowel movements.
2. Rich in Magnesium and Potassium: Raisins are rich in two essential minerals- magnesium and potassium. These minerals are very useful to neutralise acids in our body. Increased acidity in the blood or accumulation of gas in the respiratory system can result in tumors, heart ailments, hair loss, skin diseases and damage to internal organs.
3. Rich in Iron: Raisins are rich in iron which is effective in treating anemia. It also contains several members of vitamin B complex which is required by the body for blood formation. Copper present in raisins helps in the formation of red blood cells.
When Can Raisins be Offered to Kids?
As soon as a child is ready to eat finger foods which normally happens when a child is between 8 and 9 months old you can start giving them raisins. Initially you must cut up the dried fruit and offer small pieces of raisins to the child. Over a period of time you can break clumps of raisins and offer it to the child in bowl for her to eat one at a time.
Adverse Health Effects of Consuming Raisins
Raisins are chewy and sugary. Hence it tends to stick to the teeth giving food for the bacteria in the mouth to thrive in. The buildup of bacteria in the mouth in turn produces acids which over a period of time are capable of causing tooth decay and destroying the enamel.
To solve this problem health professionals recommend that raisins be offered to children as part of a meal rather than alone. This will ensure that the other food dislodges the raisin residue from the teeth. Alternatively you must offer whole raisins to children close to bed time before they brush their teeth. Older children can eat whole raisins during any time of the day provided they make it a point to rinse their mouth completely to wash away the raisin residue.
