Benefits and doubts about the consumption of fruits
It is common to think that consuming fruits is beneficial in various presentations. Whether whole, in the form of juice or puree, vitamins are present and, without a doubt, it will always be preferable to opt for this instead of less healthy alternatives such as pastries or cookies. This thinking has led to the rise in popularity of packaged fruit purees, which have become a staple on supermarket shelves and in the pantries of many families with babies and little time. These purees are convenient to transport, do not require refrigeration, have a long shelf life and are easy to consume, even for the little ones.
The alternative to fresh fruits
When looking at the ingredient list of these products, there doesn’t seem to be anything harmful. Most purees are made up of only fruit, and sometimes preservatives are added. Often, the ingredients indicate a composition ranging from 99% to 100% fruit. In other cases, they may contain some cereals, which can also make it seem like an attractive product. However, this raises the question: why is there controversy over their suitability for babies?
Reviews from nutrition experts
Julio Basulto, one of the most influential nutritionists on social media, has strongly criticized packaged fruit purees. He draws a parallel between their popularity and the health problems they can cause, such as short-term tooth decay and long-term obesity. In fact, this nutrition specialist strongly advocates banning these products aimed at such a susceptible group.
Risks of cavities in children
One of the main risks associated with these purees is the appearance of cavities in baby teeth. The presence of sugar, even in its natural form, can be harmful, especially in preparations such as purees and juices. During the preparation of these products, the amount of fruit consumed is concentrated and certain nutrients are isolated, which can cause damage to the gums and developing teeth.
The addictive effect of sugar
Purees are designed to deliver optimal sweetness, which can lead to sugar addiction problems. It is interesting to note that today’s yogurts are considerably more sugary compared to those marketed half a century ago. This increase in sweetness may influence children’s preference, since if a one-year-old child becomes accustomed to intensely sweet flavors, he or she will tend to seek out even more sugar, which can lead to serious problems such as obesity and diabetes, conditions that are considered epidemics today.
Conclusions on the consumption of purees
Despite the negative aspects, there is no denying that fruit purees are useful in practical situations, such as a day at the beach or pool. Therefore, although they present certain health challenges, their convenience at certain times should not be ruled out.