Benefits of consuming fruit
Fruit is often considered beneficial in all forms. Whether in its natural form, as juice or puree, the amount of vitamins and nutrients is still remarkable. These options are undoubtedly preferable to less healthy alternatives such as pastries or cookies. This factor has contributed to packaged fruit purees becoming popular on supermarket shelves, becoming a staple food for many families with small children and little time.
Convenience and ease of purees
Fruit purees are very practical. They can be easily transported, do not require refrigeration, have a long shelf life and are easy to consume, which makes them ideal for the little ones. When looking at the ingredients list, we usually find that they contain a high percentage of fruit and some preservative, which makes them seem like healthy options.
Fresh fruit vs. baby purees
However, there is a concern about whether these purees are suitable for children. Although most of these products usually contain fruit in their composition, there are critical opinions about them. For example, Julio Basulto, a renowned nutritionist, has expressed that these preparations can cause problems such as dental cavities in infants and contribute to obesity problems in the future.
Causes of cavities in children
Cavities can even appear in baby teeth, causing damage to both teeth that are already present and those that are still developing. The difference is that the natural sugar present in fruit is converted into a more concentrated element when processed into puree or juice. This means that when consuming these preparations, a greater amount of sugar is ingested. In addition, the way in which it is consumed, whether chewing or swallowing, also influences possible dental damage.
Effects of sugar in children’s diet
Purees are often designed to maximize their sweetness, which can lead to sugar dependence in children. It has been observed that food products have increased their sugar content significantly over the decades. For example, today’s yogurts are much sweeter than those of 50 years ago. If a child becomes accustomed to an excessively sweet taste, it is likely that he or she will develop a preference for sugary foods, which can lead to health problems such as obesity and diabetes, pathologies that have reached epidemic levels in our society.
Final thoughts
Although fruit purees seem like a practical and convenient option, the potential consequences of regular consumption should not be ignored. These products can be useful at specific times, such as during a hot day at the beach, but it is important to consider broader aspects of the health and nutrition of children. Thus, it is essential to opt for a balanced diet and encourage the consumption of fresh fruit whenever possible.