The goodness of some foods....
Dried APRICOTS are one of nature’s great health foods. The drying process increases their concentration of betacarotene, potassium and iron. Check the label to make sure they have not been treated with sulphur dioxide (E220). This substance can trigger an asthma attack in susceptible babies.
AVACADOS are rich in monounsaturated fat the ‘good’ type of fat which helps prevent heart disease and can help lower bad cholesterol. The essential fats found in avocados are the building blocks of beautiful skin.. They are also one of the best sources of vitamin E which helps with wound healing a good complexion and strong immune system. Oh – and they also have the highest protein content of any fruit…
According to researchers BLUEBERRIES top the list in terms of their antioxidant activity compared to 40 other fresh fruit and vegetables. A little berry that is big on taste and nutrients, blueberries are packed with vitamin C, which reduces the severity and duration of colds and flu. Vitamin C is also needed for growth and skin repair. Blueberries can also help to protect eyesight –-- and play an important role in protecting the heart and preventing cancers. Another antioxidant found in blueberries, ellagic acid, has been proven to inhibit cancer in laboratory studies. Research shows that people who consume fruit with high amounts of this powerful antioxidant are three times less likely to develop cancer than those who consume little or none.
BROCCOLI is a true superfood, it is a great source of vitamin C and also contains betacarotene, folic acid, iron and potassium
CARROTS won’t make you grow into the ultimate fighter pilot (in world war two pilots were rumoured to have been fed a diet of carrots so they could see in the dark) but they will help with your night vision and growth and promote healthy skin and teeth. Interestingly, carrots are more nutritious when cooked with a little fat, such as a knob of butter, as the beta-carotene they contain is absorbed more readily.
LENTILS are an excellent source of protein, iron, zinc and potassium. Lentils contain quite a lot of fibre and can be indigestible so don’t give too many lentils to young babies.
A juicy ripe MANGO is not only delicious but gives your baby the immunological benefits of vitamin C and beta-carotene, but also calcium and magnesium which are good for building strong bones and teeth. Perfect for ice lollies...
PAPAYA contains papain, an enzyme that breaks down protein and so boosts the digestion, as well as improving indigestion. It is rich in vitamin C and betacarotene. 75g (3 oz) of papaya will provide a young child’s daily requirement of vitamin C. Papaya is also high in soluble fibre which is important for normal bowel function and an ideal ingredient.
STRAWBERRIES contain more vitamin C than other berry fruits. 100g of strawberries will give an adult almost twice the daily- recommended amount. They are also a good source of fibre and betacarotene
Orange fleshed SWEET POTATO is a good source of vitamins C, and betacarotene and is richer in nutrients than ordinary potatoes.
TOMATOES are rich in limonene a powerful antioxidant, which is better absorbed by our bodies when they are cooked in a little oil or butter
TOFU is made from soya bean curd which makes an excellent high protein alternative to meat and is rich in many nutrients, including iron, potassium and calcium
