Meat in Child Nutrition

Meat in child nutrition

Meat is one of the healthiest foods due to its high content of complete animal protein, which is an important building material for the body. Meat proteins contain all the necessary essential amino acids, which, after digestion and absorption of food proteins, are delivered to the body tissues.

However, it is not only proteins that make meat a healthy food product. When processing meat with water, extractive substances are extracted from it, which are highly nutritious and, after cooking, become strong stimulants of gastric juice. This is very important for the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, but it is not recommended for patients with increased gastric secretion to eat meat broths.

In addition, meat contains a large amount of fat, which has a significant impact on its calorie content. Fat in muscle tissue significantly improves the taste and increases the calorie content of meat. However, excess fat reduces nutrient absorption. At the same time, meat with insufficient fat is usually tough and less tasty. Meat with fat between the muscles is more tender. In terms of digestibility, the best meat is the one whose dry matter contains approximately the same amount of protein and fat.

Despite all the important advantages of meat as a food product, it has been established that consuming excess amounts of meat can lead to an overload of the body with extractive substances, in particular purine bases, which disrupt metabolic processes in the body. Therefore, in the daily diet, the amount of meat consumed should be reasonably limited.

When it comes to baby's nutrition, meat also plays an important role. Children need protein for growth and development, and meat can be one of the best sources of protein. However, not all types of meat are equally beneficial for baby food.

Firstly, when choosing meat for a child, you need to pay attention to its quality. It is best to choose fresh, high quality meat that does not contain preservatives or other additives. You also need to make sure that the meat has been stored correctly.

Secondly, it is necessary to take into account the child’s age and his individual needs when choosing meat for nutrition. It is not recommended to give meat to infants and infants until they reach 6 months of age. After this age, you can begin to introduce meat into your baby’s diet.

Thirdly, not all types of meat are equally beneficial for a child. For example, red meat such as beef contains large amounts of iron, which is essential for normal baby development. However, excess consumption of red meat can lead to increased cholesterol levels and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the future.

White meats such as chicken and turkey contain less fat but are also a good source of protein. Fish is also an excellent source of protein and contains many healthy unsaturated fatty acids.

Fourthly, when preparing meat for a child, it is necessary to take into account his age and individual needs. For example, for babies and infants, meat should be boiled or steamed until it is soft and easily digestible. For older children, you can use different methods of cooking meat, such as frying, baking or braising.

In conclusion, meat is an important source of protein and other nutrients in a child's diet. However, it is necessary to choose the right types of meat, take into account the age and individual needs of the child, and prepare it correctly to ensure maximum health benefits. Don't forget that moderate meat consumption is the key to a healthy diet.