Some mothers do not think to give anchovy as a menu for their children. In fact, despite its mini size, anchovy contains the nutrients needed by children, you know.
Anchovy (Stolephorus sp) or anchovies It has silvery scales with a blue-green back. In Indonesia, these small fish average 6–7 cm in size and are found in several waters, such as waters in Sumatra and Java.
A Row of Nutrient Contents in Anchovy
Compared to other large fish, anchovies are relatively cheap and easier to find. These fish also tend to contain less mercury because of their small size.
nowHere are some of the nutrients found in anchovies:
1. Calcium
In 1 serving of anchovy (± 30 g) contains about 50 mg of calcium. Calcium levels are higher than salmon and tuna, you know. Therefore, anchovies can be a good source of calcium for children.
Calcium plays a role in building strong bones and teeth, maintaining a healthy heart, and making nerves and muscles work properly. These nutrients are also needed by children so that they are protected from rickets.
2. Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are the kind of good fatty acids that children need for growth and development, especially in the brain. Not only that, omega-3 fatty acids are also useful for improving sleep quality, increasing focus, and reducing the risk of asthma in children.
Few people know that anchovy can be used as a source of omega-3 for children, even though 1 serving of anchovy contains 0.42 g of omega-3 fatty acids. This number is equivalent to or even higher than most other fish.
3. Protein
The protein content of anchovy is almost equivalent to other fish. Every 100 g of anchovy contains 20 g of protein. However, because the portion of anchovy is smaller, other sources of protein are needed to meet the needs of children per day.
Protein is needed by children as a source of energy and to maintain body tissues, prevent hair loss, support skin health, and support children's growth and development.
4. Iron
The presence of iron is very important in the formation of hemoglobin, which is a component of red blood cells that functions to transport oxygen throughout the body. Therefore, iron deficiency can have an impact on child development.
In 1 serving of anchovy, contained about 1-2 mg of iron. This is almost equivalent to the iron content in 1 serving of spinach, you know, Bun. So, anchovies can also be used as a source of iron for your little one, especially if he doesn't like vegetables.
5. Vitamins A, E, and K
Anchovy also contains vitamins, namely A, E, and K. In 1 serving of anchovy, there are about 5 g of vitamin A, 0.2 mg of vitamin E, and 0.03 g of vitamin K. Although not too high, this amount is still can help meet daily vitamin needs along with other nutritious foods.
These three vitamins have their respective roles. Vitamin A has an important role in vision function, normal growth and development, and repair of tissues and bones.
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant to protect body cells from free radical damage and helps support the health of red blood cells, while vitamin K is responsible for blood clotting and stopping bleeding from cuts or injuries.
After knowing the nutrients contained in anchovies, now you can try to give this small fish in your little one's food menus. There are many, you know, There are various recipes that you can try.
Because the taste is strong and savory, you can make it toppings for salads or stir-fry vegetables, so your little one can be more interested in eating vegetables. In addition, Mother can also fry it to serve as a snack or make a mixture of fried rice.
However, if your little one experiences symptoms such as itching, redness of the skin, and shortness of breath after eating anchovies, it is possible that he has an allergy to this fish. If this happens, immediately take him to the doctor for treatment, yes, Bun.
