We must ensure that our children eat different coloured fruits and vegetables.
This is because different coloured fruits and vegetables contain different nutrients. And when they eat a mix and match of colours, children get all the nutrients they need.
To make it easy for parents to feed children all the nutrients that they need – doctors often say – “Just eat a Rainbow”.
What are the colours children should eat?
Children should eat vegetables and fruits that are Violet, Indigo (dark blue), Green, Yellow, Orange, Red and White every day if possible.
Indigo and blue
The blue color in fruits is due to the presence of the phytonutrient Anthocyanin which has DNA protective effect.
To add blue to your plate I am sharing the recipe of the dessert Jamun Yoghurt Parfait.
Jamun in addition to Anthocyanin also has Resveratrol which is a powerful antioxidant that protects against organ ageing.
Here are the ingredients:
Jamun fruit, pureed, ¼ cup
Thick Yoghurt, 1 cup
Almonds, powdered, 1 tbsp
Honey, 1 tsp
Method:
1. Thoroughly wash the jamun and deseed it, Grind the jamun flesh to a puree.
- Mix the honey with yogurt and set it aside.
- Take a couple of glass jars or glasses and add a spoonful of the jamun puree, so that it covers the entire bottom.
- Add a spoonful of yogurt over the jamun puree and lightly tap the glass on your hand to settle the glass.
- Sprinkle the crushed almonds over the curd.
- Repeat the steps 3-5 until your jar is filled.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Click on the below link for above recipe video –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLpppnBQ8ps&list=PLSijh59RPVTJOsy9K-UsKK8zMeOEez2av&index=13
Note – Always check with your doctor before giving your baby any new food. Wean your baby to all the ingredients separately first, in the usual recommended way and then serve this dish if your baby tolerates all the ingredients without any problem.
By
Dr Debmita Dutta MBBS, MD
Dr Debmita Dutta is a practicing doctor, a parenting consultant and the founder of the website WPA whatparentsask.com – She is based in Bangalore and conducts online and offline Parenting workshops at schools and corporate organizations. She also conducts online and offline prenatal classes for expecting parents and infant care classes for new parents.
