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.
Violet
The violet color in fruits and vegetables comes from anthocyanins which are phytonutrients that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
A dose of violet in the diet can improve immunity and reduce inflammation.
I am sharing the recipe of Power Packed Purple Cabbage Stir Fry to bring the color violet to your plate.
Here are the ingredients:
Purple Cabbage, finely chopped, 1 cup
Urad dal, ½ tsp
Mustard seeds, ¼ tsp
Curry leaves, 4-5
Ghee, 1tbsp
Chana dal, ½ tsp
Grated coconut, 1 tbsp
Salt to taste
Method:
1. Chop the cabbage and wash it thoroughly under running water.
2. Heat ghee in a kadai, add chana dal and urad dal. Once they turn golden brown and smell toasty, add mustard and let it splutter. Add the curry leaves.
3. Add in the cabbage and salt. Mix well and cover the kadai.
4. Cook on medium flame until the cabbage is cooked and the colour changes slightly.
5. Switch off the gas and garnish with grated coconut.
Click on the below link for above recipe video –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc6VZBhNAXo&list=PLSijh59RPVTJOsy9K-UsKK8zMeOEez2av&index=12&t=5s
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.
