After our tour of fish in infant feeding, for its importance as part of a healthy and balanced diet, we will stop at fish that are not so suitable for children.
More than inappropriate species, let's talk about conservation or preparation modes (or absence of preparation mode). This is, for example, cod itself is not harmful to children, but it is if they consume it in salted or raw.
We will see that in general the cured fish (dried, smoked or salted) should be delayed in the diet of children and especially consumed in moderation.
Salted fish
He salted cod It is considered, on a nutritional level, a blue fish, since the salting process considerably increases its fat concentration. But this type of food, as in general all salted fish, we are not interested in the baby's diet because of its high salt content.
Canned fish
In general, canned fish, are not suitable for young children. Canned and semi-preserved products are heat treated and cured in order to increase their preservation. It can be whole fish, chopped or fillets that are packed together with different cover liquids.
Due to its high salt content (they are added for processing) or substances such as preservatives, added spices or poor quality oils, they are not suitable for children. In addition, the technological process that gives rise to preservation increases the fat content.
That does not mean that we have to give up, for example, tuna for snack snacks on occasion, but it is not the healthiest way to eat fish. As a recommendation I would point out that, if we are to choose cans of canning, which are in olive oil or natural.
Smoked fish
For the same reason, the smoked fish (Salmon, dove, cod, tuna ...), so you should limit your intake. Smoked foods have the same properties as fresh fish, but they are high in sodium (salt). In addition, some research points out that the smoking process increases the content of substances that may be related to some tumors, so you should eat smoked in moderation.
Dried fish
The dried fish: The drying process reduces the amount of water to such an extent that the germs become inactive or die. Water is lost and salt is added, because it shortens the drying time. The species that most undergo this type of treatment are cod, haddock, haddock or liba and shark fin.
Raw fish
It is also not suitable for children raw fish, which hinders digestion, apart from the risk of transmission of Anisakis. Raw fish has risks of transmitting to the child (and adult) this parasite in the form of a worm that nests in marine mammals, fish and crustaceans.
In some countries, such as Spain, there is legislation that regulates the measures that eliminate Anisakis (freezing ...), although I think we can never be sure that they have been effectively complied with. In any case, raw fish, even free of parasites, is difficult to digest and its stronger flavor could cause rejection in small ones.
However, these fish that are unsuitable for early infant feeding They don't have to be banned when kids grow up. Adults usually eat one or more of these foods. Of course, they should be consumed in moderation.
Photos | stu_spivack and furilo on Flickr
In Babies and more | Can I eat sushi while pregnant ?, Complementary feeding: fish, Fish in infant feeding
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