There are many benefits of carrots for toddlers. As you may notice in the health benefits of carrot juice, these orange vegetables contain various nutrients that can support their growth. Besides being useful, carrots are also easily processed into a variety of food menus.
The various benefits of carrots for babies are thanks to their high carbohydrates, fibre, and moisture content. In addition, these vegetables are low in protein and fat but rich in vitamins. One of them is vitamin A in the form of beta carotene.
When to Introduce Carrots
Because of its dense texture, you should start introducing this one vegetable, not at the beginning of the solid food period. Many opinions say that carrots should be given when your little one is around eight months old.
However, in this case, it has been emphasized that carrots can be given since the introduction of complementary foods.
However, the thing to note is the texture of the carrots. If you are introducing it for the first time, carrots can be mashed and mixed with vegetables, carbohydrates, and protein. As babies get older, carrots can be rougher in texture or be fed as finger food.
Carrots also contain biotin (vitamin B7), vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin K1, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, folic acid, and active plant compounds that are good for your little one’s health, as seen in the health benefits of dried carrots.
Health Benefits of Carrots for Toddlers
- Improve eyesight
It is no secret that carrots are very important for improving vision health. Vitamin A and beta-carotene are two important elements that are responsible for developing good eyesight.
These two important nutrients are known to be found in carrots. Especially in toddlers, carrots can help the growth of the retina and help maintain it in the right condition, which you can also find in the benefits of mulethi.
- Increase immunity
Carrots are important to eat because they can boost your toddler’s immune system. This vegetable has an important role in maintaining the balance of the immune system.
In the process, carrots help increase the number of these two components to increase their immune system. You can further support this benefit of carrots with the health benefits of yoghurt.
- Provide healthy body cells
The other benefits of carrots for toddlers are related to the level of cell growth. This benefit is possible because carrots contain certain properties that directly affect the cell growth mechanism.
Carrots are known to ensure that cell growth remains normal and under control. This mechanism can help your little one avoid cancer thanks to the antioxidant content that is also contained in it.
- Better liver function
If a toxic chemical enters the body, the main organ that will be affected is the liver. But don’t worry, carrots have ingredients to help overcome them.
Carrots contain properties that support the body’s cells and help protect the liver from the effects of these harmful chemicals.
- Protect important organs
Another important property of carrots is that they directly improve the health of the heart and kidneys, making them function better. Carrots contain flavonoids which are micronutrients.
The circulatory system transports oxygen through the heart and blood vessels. It helps remove toxins from the body, thanks to the kidneys.
Because they have a certain benefit for cell growth, carrots are known to heal wounds faster, especially if your little one is still active and often experiences wounds in various parts of the body; consuming carrots is quite important.
- Brighten the skin
Carrots contain beta carotene, an antioxidant that is converted into vitamin A in the body. This content helps repair skin tissue and protects against radiation from the sun that’s exposing your little one’s body, similar to the health benefits of chia seeds for skin.
If your kid is entering the solid food stage, don’t forget to include carrots in your grocery list. Carrots for toddlers do have good benefits for health.
Additional Tips
Mothers have been able to introduce carrots since the baby is around six months old. So that the benefits of carrots can be maximized. The selection of carrots should not be arbitrary, and the texture of the carrots that are served must also be adjusted to the age of the little one.
Here are some tips for choosing and serving carrots as complementary foods that Moms need to know:
- Choose carrots that are firm with a smooth surface and are light orange.
- Wash the carrots under running water before processing, then peel the carrots.
- Boil the carrots until soft for 10-15 minutes, then drain the carrots and rinse under cold water.
- At the beginning of the solid food period, carrots need to be mashed using a blender or food processor to get a puree texture. After your baby reaches ten months of age, carrots can be served in small cubes or lengthwise as finger food.
To increase the nutritional value of complementary foods, carrots can be processed together with other healthy foods, such as chicken, beef, brown rice, broccoli, green beans, or sweet potatoes. Don’t forget to add little spices or herbs, such as garlic, pepper, cinnamon, to create a good taste. You can store carrot puree in a BPA-free container in the refrigerator for three days. If put in the freezer, carrot puree can last up to 3 months. So, you can prepare several bowls of carrot puree to make it easier to prepare your next meal.