Potatoes are often chosen as a source of carbohydrates to replace rice. This yellow tuber is liked by many people, including children. However, did you know? In addition to filling, there are many benefits of potatoes for children, you know.
Potatoes contain quite complete nutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, fiber, sugar, vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin B6, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and natural antioxidants, such as flavonoids and carotenoids. All these nutrients are needed by the Little One's body to support the growth process.
5 Benefits of Potatoes for Children
If your little one really likes eating potatoes, you should be grateful. Besides being easy to find and having a relatively cheap price, potatoes can be processed in various ways, from boiling to roasting. So, it will be easy for Mother to be creative in creating a variety of potato menus she likes.
The following are some of the benefits of potatoes for children:
1. Is a good source of energy
Potatoes contain complex carbohydrates. This type of carbohydrate is arguably better when compared to white rice, which is a simple carbohydrate. Besides being a source of energy, complex carbohydrates also contain fiber which is good for your little one's digestion.
2. Healthy digestion
When consumed regularly, the fiber and starch content in potatoes can increase the good bacteria in the intestines, so that the child's digestive system becomes healthier and avoids problems such as constipation and colon inflammation.
3. Increase endurance
The content of vitamin C and natural antioxidants in potatoes makes it beneficial for increasing the child's immune system. Vitamin C is known to increase the work of white blood cells in fighting infection.
Meanwhile, antioxidants have long been known to fight free radicals that can weaken immunity. In the midst of a pandemic like today, the immunity of the Little One's body needs to be maintained so that he remains strong to ward off Corona virus infection.
4. Makes the stomach full longer
Compared to other sources of carbohydrates, potatoes can make children feel full longer. This property can reduce the desire to eat unhealthy snacks, such as candy, biscuits, or ice cream.
This is thought to be due to the content proteinase inhibitor 2 (PI2) which can suppress appetite. In addition, fiber and potato starch also take longer to digest, thus providing a feeling of fullness.
5. Improve muscle and nerve function
Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium for children. Potassium is a mineral that plays an important role in maintaining muscle and nerve function. This benefit is needed so that your little one can always be active. In addition, potassium is also needed to maintain blood pressure and body fluid balance.
That's information about the benefits of potatoes for children that is a pity to miss. By knowing the information above, now you don't need to hesitate anymore to add potatoes to your diet every day.
You need to know that the fiber, vitamin C, and folic acid content in potatoes will be higher if they are processed together with the skin. So, to get the optimal benefits of these nutrients, you are recommended to clean and not throw away the potato skins when processing them.
Potatoes can also contain acrylamide and solanine, compounds that are thought to be harmful if consumed in large quantities. To reduce this risk, Mothers are advised to avoid green potatoes, not to overcook potatoes, and not to store potatoes in the refrigerator.
In addition, pay attention to your baby's reaction when they eat potatoes for the first time, because in some children potatoes can also cause allergic reactions, such as sneezing, sore and itchy throat, watery eyes, swollen lips, and shortness of breath.
If your little one experiences these symptoms after eating potatoes, immediately take him to the doctor to get the right treatment, yes, Bun.
