What kind of fish and how much is healthy for children to take
Fish is a splendid food, whose nutritional value lies in that it provides high quality proteins (what doctors call "high biological value"), fat good (omega 3 fatty acids) and phosphorus. But, how much fish should the children take? What are the most suitable fish for a healthy diet in childhood? an
Fish is a splendid food, whose nutritional value lies in that it provides high quality proteins (what doctors call "high biological value"), fat good (omega 3 fatty acids) and phosphorus.
But, how much fish should the children take? What are the most suitable fish for a healthy diet in childhood? and, what is preferable to avoid? In Guiainfantil.com we clarify it to you.
Fish in the diet of children: what and how much?
Phosphorus is used by the organism for very different functions; among them, a very outstanding one is to synthesize a very special fat abundant in the brain, and which we call "phospholipid". Hence the very popular belief that says that if you eat fish, memory works better. Specifically, in Spain this virtue is attributed to the consumption of sardines.
On the other hand, the fish of marine origin suppose a great supply of iodine, which in turn serves so that the thyroid gland synthesizes thyroid hormones correctly.
In the pediatric age, it is recommended that fish be consumed from 6-9 months of age, at least 3-4 times per week. It is recommended to consume white fish, because its caloric value is the most balanced. It can be replaced once a week by a small blue fish, such as sardines or anchovies, provided that they are not consumed too large portions, because of its higher caloric value.
It is important to know that not all fish are equally healthy:
- In pregnant women and children under three, it is not recommended: the consumption of swordfish, shark, bluefin tuna and pike, due to its high mercury content, which is a potentially neurotoxic element. These four fish are predators of long life cycles, and tend to accumulate the aforementioned metal. Pregnant women and young children are especially vulnerable to their harmful action.
- In children over three years old:and throughout the pediatric age, these fish could be consumed, but not more than once a month (in adults, no more than once every two weeks). En - In recent years,
there is a lot of talk about panga , a river fish that is raised mostly on farms in the Mekong River area. Beyond other considerations, it is a less interesting white fish than others (such as hake, rooster, sole, etc.), because of its lower content of proteins of high biological value and healthy fat.
