They're snacks we normally don't think about when trying to figure out what to give our kids when they're hungry, but dried fruits are great ways to get vitamins and other nutrients into our kids and make them happy at the same time. If you don't believe me, read what WHFoods has to say about prunes...
"The fresh version (plums) and the dried version (prunes) of the plant scientifically known as Prunus domestica have been the subject of repeated health research for their high content of unique phytonutrients called neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid. These substances found in prunes and plums are classified as phenols, and their function as antioxidants has been well documented. These damage-preventing substances are particularly effective in neutralizing a particularly dangerous oxygen radical called superoxide anion radical, and they have also been shown to help prevent oxygen-based damage to fats. Since our cell membranes, brain cells and molecules such as cholesterol are largely composed of fats, preventing free radical damage to fats is no small benefit."
And here's what Organic Facts has to say about dates...
"Health benefits of dates are uncountable, as this fruit is affluent in natural fibres. These natural products also contain oil, calcium, sulphur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium which are advantageous for health. Dates are even rich in several vitamins and minerals. It is said that one date is minimum requirement of a balanced and healthy diet. It helps in fighting constipation, intestinal disorders, weight gain, heart problems, sexual weakness, diarrhea and abdominal cancer."
Plus, prunes and dates don't make crumbs, don't stain clothes, and don't melt on warm little fingers. We love 'em!
At what age can you give little ones dried fruit for snacks? I'm not sure if they're safe for my 19 month old. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteHi Shannon,
ReplyDeleteI'm by no means on expert on this, but I give my kids raisins and the like at a pretty early age, probably earlier than a year and a half, so I would think that 19 months old would be fine for prunes and dates. You could cut them up into little pieces to be safe, though. Thanks for your comment here! Let me know how it goes!
I give my 10 month old dates and he loves them! I started by cutting them up for him but now he just grabs a whole one and has no problem biting bits off or putting the whole thing in his mouth and chewing it. It's his favorite snack through the day.
ReplyDelete