Hello, parents, to my blog. Everyone likes mushrooms due to their taste and flavor. There are different types of mushrooms available today. So, let’s talk about the health benefits of mushrooms for kids. The types of mushrooms that are available in food stores are food-safe and edible for the body. Today we will discuss the benefits of eating mushrooms for kids. Mushrooms are good sources of potassium, iron, selenium, and fiber. Even some types of mushrooms have more potassium content as compared to bananas. It is a good source of vitamin D. So those people who are deficient in vitamin D can include mushrooms in their diet. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium into the body, which in turn makes the bones strong. The kids, during their developmental stage, need more calcium to be absorbed, so they should not be vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D also helps to fight colon cancer. Whenever you introduce a new food into your child’s diet, always give less quantity to check whether he or she is allergic to that food and wait for 24 hours. If nothing false happens to his or her body, you can continue giving that food to your baby. Some children are allergic to mushrooms, but this percentage is very low. I have shared many other health benefits of mushrooms for kids as you scroll down.
Health Benefits of Mushrooms for Kids:
Nutritional value of mushrooms:
Mushrooms are famous for their high nutritional value and, of course, taste. It is an edible fungus. Mushrooms are low in fat and carbs and full of energy. Children sometimes do not like mushrooms because of their shape and color. Even so, they found it yucky to hold. But due to their nutritional value, mushrooms are found to be healthy for kids. The various health benefits of mushrooms for kids are described below. It is good for bones due to its vitamin D, as it helps our body absorb calcium. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals. Some types of mushrooms are poisonous. But you should always go for the mushrooms that are available in food stores.
1. Provides multiple nutrients:
As per the child’s required nutrition, mushrooms contain various vitamins and minerals. They contain phosphorus, selenium, iodine, copper, iron, vitamin D, and potassium. These nutrients support the child’s overall growth and development.
2. Increase vitamin D:
Mushrooms should be grown in the dark because it affects the vitamin D levels in the mushrooms. Otherwise, they are good source of vitamin D Mushrooms can offer great amounts of vitamin D. They hold vitamin D2. It is a form of vitamin D that gets processed and absorbed well in the body.
3. Rich in iron:
There are certain varieties of mushrooms that are great sources of iron. Iron boosts the formation of new blood cells. New blood cells supply oxygen to different parts of the body. So, introducing mushrooms into your child’s diet will increase their iron levels.
4. Boosts child’s immunity:
A child‘s immune system helps him fight illnesses, which is necessary for their growth and development. Mushrooms contain various nutrients and some triterpenoids, like bioactive compounds, in order to strengthen immunity.
5. Provides antioxidants
Mushrooms hold different nutrients and phytochemicals that possess antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are molecules that prepare your body to fight against harmful free radicals. The examples are Vitamin E and vitamin C.
6. Good source of fiber:
To maintain gut health, mushrooms contain a good amount of fiber. Fiber prevents our body from constipating and helps to maintain a healthy digestive system. It also strengthens a child’s immunity by providing probiotics to the body.
Nutritional content of mushrooms:
Here, let us discuss the nutritional content that is found in the mushrooms, which proves the various health benefits of mushrooms for kids. Adding mushrooms to your child’s diet will keep them strong and protected. It boosts immunity and provides vitamin D to strengthen the bones. The various nutritional values of mushrooms, which make them a unique food to be inculcated into our diets, are listed below:
- Potassium: Bananas contain 358 mg of potassium per 100g whereas mushrooms contain 396 mg of potassium per 100g.
- Iron: 0.5 mg per 100 g.
- Vitamin D: Mushrooms contain 11.2 µg of vitamin D per 100g. White mushrooms account for 33% of the body’s daily need for vitamin D.
- Vitamin B12: Mushrooms do not contain a lot of B12, but yes, they do contain some.
- Selenium: It is an essential micronutrient. It helps our body fight against infections and boosts immunity. It contains 16% selenium, which meets a part of our daily needs.
- Phosphorus: It provides 12% of our body’s daily need of phosphorus.
- Energy: 21 calories
- Carbs: 3 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 3 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
How to increase the vitamin D content of mushrooms?
Mushrooms contain a good amount of vitamin D. But do you know we can also increase the vitamin D content before cooking the mushrooms? Let me share the procedure.
“Keeping the raw mushrooms under sunlight for 20–30 minutes before cooking increases the value of vitamin D in the mushrooms.”
Are mushrooms safe for kids?
Yes, mushrooms are rich in fiber, energy, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. They are low in fat and carbs. Its high content of vitamin D makes the bones strong. It also boosts immunity to fight infections. So it is a great food to give to kids for their development and growth.
Can we give mushrooms to babies under 1 year old?
Mushrooms can be given to a 10-month-old baby. There are many health benefits of mushrooms for kids. I would suggest that whenever you introduce a new food to your baby, offer a very small quantity in order to test for any allergies to that food. If you find any odd behavior in your child after the intake of mushrooms, stop feeding them to your baby and ask your pediatrician for help. If you find everything OK, you can continue giving mushrooms to your kids and try different cuisines.
“Chop the mushrooms in small pieces and cook the mushrooms properly either by boiling or stir frying. Sprinkle some salt and seasoning on it and offer it to your child. let him eat own his own. You can also offer mushroom soup to your baby.”
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Conclusion:
In conclusion, integrating mushrooms into children’s diets produces numerous advantages. Mushrooms enhance immune systems and contribute to overall well-being, establishing a robust foundation for kids’ health as these are packed with essential nutrients. You must have the various health benefits of mushrooms for kids in the article. The versatility of mushrooms allows for creative cooking exploration, making them an appealing addition to meals. Besides nutrition, the unique flavor and texture encourage positive eating habits from an early age. Additionally, the environmental sustainability of mushroom cultivation aligns with eco-conscious choices. By prioritizing health, taste, and sustainability, incorporating mushrooms into children’s diets emerges as a beneficial and mindful approach for both their well-being and the planet’s future.
FAQs:
- Are mushrooms good for children?
Ans: Yes, mushrooms are great source of potassium, iron, energy and low in carbs and fats. So these are good to introduce to kids for their daily nutrition needs.
- Are mushrooms safe for kids?
Ans. Mushrooms are safe when you start with a very small quantity and check for any allergic symptoms. Do not feed in bulk directly. If you find that the child’s gut is compatible with the mushrooms, then continue feeding it. The allergy %age from mushrooms is very less. There are many health benefits of mushrooms for kids.
- What are 5 health benefits of mushrooms for kids?
Ans: Boosts immunity, boosts energy, good for weight loss due to 0 fats and low carbs, provides various vitamins and minerals.
- At what age can a child eat mushrooms?
Ans: You can start it from 10 months but always check for allergy symptoms after feeding mushrooms within 24 hours.
- Are cooked mushrooms good for kids?
Ans: Yes, mushrooms have to be cooked properly when you are going to eat it. You can go for mushrooms curry, mushroom soup, mushroom snacks, roasted mushrooms.
- What are the healthiest mushrooms for kids?
Ans: Button mushrooms, also known as white mushrooms are safe to eat and these types of mushrooms are available in the food stores.
- What benefits do mushrooms have?
Ans: Mushrooms do offer multiple benefits due to its high energy content and low carbs and fats. Mushrooms are good for bones development as it provides good amount of vitamin D. Mushrooms provides good amount of fiber and hence it is good for gut system.
- Is it OK to eat mushroom everyday?
Ans: Yes, mushrooms are rich source of energy, vitamin D, potassium, selenium, iron, fiber, low in barbs and fats. It is completely safe to eat mushrooms every day. You can try variety of cuisines using mushrooms.