Joint dinners form a positive attitude of children to vegetables and fruits
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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A full-fledged children's diet must necessarily be diverse and include products of plant origin. Vegetables and fruits are very useful for a child's body. They contain a large amount of carbohydrates, a large complex of vitamins and minerals necessary for the growth and normal development of the child's body. Fresh vegetables and fruits are an excellent source of fiber and pectin substances that normalize the digestive processes, protect the mucous membrane from the effects of microbes and promote the development of useful microflora in the intestine.
Often parents face the problem of how to feed the child with vegetables and fruits? Many children are reluctant to eat even a slice. But scientists know the way out - joint meals at least once a week contribute to the fact that children eat vegetables and fruits.
Scientists from the University of Leeds found that even a single meal a week had a positive impact on the attitude of children to vegetables and fruits.
The researchers conducted a survey, which involved 2,389 children, students of 52 London schools. As a result of the survey it was found out that almost two thirds of schoolchildren (63%) do not use the daily recommended portion of fruits and vegetables recommended by the World Health Organization - 400 grams.
Children who reported that family dinners in their family are not uncommon, consumed an average of 125 grams of vegetables and fruits more than those schoolchildren who never had family meals in their family.
Even those children whose families had breakfasts, lunches or dinners not daily in the family circle, but only once or twice a week, consumed 95 grams of vegetables and fruits more.
Studies also show that in families where parents themselves eat fruits and vegetables daily, children also eat more.
According to the head of the study, Professor Janet Cade, family dinners have a positive impact on children. Children look at how vegetables and fruits are eaten not only by their dads and mothers, but also by their brothers and sisters. This plays a crucial role in creating your own eating habits and preferences.
The modern rhythm of life often interferes with the whole family of the brethren and they have breakfast or dinner together, so it is not surprising that the consumption of fruits and vegetables by children is so low. But this study shows that collecting the whole family at a common table at least once a week can help improve the diet of the whole family, in particular, the child.
Children whose parents personally cut fruit vegetables for a child ate an average of half a portion, which is a quarter of the amount eaten by children, whose fathers and mothers never did it.
Experts recommend more frequent joint dinners, because in this way parents get an excellent opportunity not only to bring up good manners and habits in children, but also to control their diet, motivating to eat useful products.
"Given that eating habits develop in childhood, it is important to encourage children and tell them about the benefits of healthy eating, as well as show it by example. Family dinners in this regard are a great opportunity, "says Dr. Cade.
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