When can you give your child sweet pepper. Bulgarian pepper for children: benefits and age recommendations

bell pepper- source beneficial vitamins and minerals. However, the introduction of this vegetable in the diet of children is controversial. Many doctors do not recommend giving it to young children to avoid allergic reactions and other negative consequences, others, on the contrary, I advise you to give.

Each mother must independently decide on the use of this healthy vegetable when organizing the nutrition of the baby. Consider when you can give your child bell pepper, its main beneficial properties and possible harm.

Summer is the time fresh vegetables and fruits. Sweet pepper is one of the most useful products that can give the child strong immunity and proper development.

The main useful properties of the product include:

Sweet peppers can compete with lemon and herbs in terms of vitamin C content: its “reserve” is about 300 mg per 100 g of product. Even a small piece of this vegetable can fill the baby's needs for this vitamin. Therefore, regular use helps to strengthen the protective properties of the body.
In terms of vitamin A content, pepper surpasses even carrots. Therefore, with regular use, it improves vision.
Pepper contains vitamins of group B, which are necessary for the full development of the central nervous system and brain, as well as for protection against nervous strain.
The presence of sucrose and fructose stimulates appetite, gives the baby energy for games and creativity.

The composition includes bioflavonoids, which are natural antioxidants. That's why this product protects against toxins and allergens, and also promotes quick recovery cells.
Pepper contains calcium, sodium, potassium, iodine and other trace elements that strengthen the body and are necessary for harmonious development.
It contains a lot of fiber, necessary for normal digestion. Therefore, it is useful for children suffering from chronic constipation.

The benefits of pepper can only be obtained when consumed in season. It is best to buy a vegetable in the market or grow it yourself. There is little benefit in a greenhouse or exported vegetable. In addition, it may contain pesticides and other harmful additives.

The harm of pepper for the child's body

Many parents choose to eliminate pepper from their children's diets. The reason for this is the possible negative reactions from the child's body:

Some babies develop an allergic reaction.
A vegetable is not recommended for suspected diseases of the stomach, kidneys and liver. It is also contraindicated in hyperacidity stomach.
If you give pepper to children too early, there may be disturbances in the digestive system. This is especially true of the raw product.

Introduction to Diet

Caring parents are interested in at what age children can have bell pepper, so that this fruit brought only benefits to the body. Pediatricians do not recommend giving this vegetable up to a year, and a child can get acquainted with it in a baked or boiled form from 9-10 months.

For children under one year old possible variant the use of a vegetable is to add it to a small amount in soups or purees. Is it possible to give this product, it is also recommended to check with the pediatrician. The first time you need to give no more than half a teaspoon. Gradually, the dose can be increased to 25-50 grams per day.

When asked when to give raw pepper, pediatricians are ambiguous. Most of them recommend postponing it until digestive system the baby will not get stronger. AT fresh it can cause colic and indigestion, so it should be used from the age of one and a half.

Also, parents are interested in at what age you can give pickled and canned peppers to your child. Like other types of canned food, it is better not to give this product until three years. Stuffed peppers can be included in the diet as early as two years.

The danger of eating bell pepper lies in the development allergic reaction. Most often, it manifests itself in the form of a rash and swelling.

If you suspect an allergy, you should stop using it. If the allergy symptoms do not go away, you need to show the child to the doctor. A second attempt to introduce into the diet should be carried out no earlier than after 2-3 months.

How to give bell pepper to a child

Pepper contains a lot useful components, so it is most useful in its raw form. However, babies raw vegetable prohibited. Therefore, it is best to bake it. To do this, add a little vegetable oil and bake until tender. When the dish has cooled, it is necessary to remove the peel, chop and add to soup, porridge, potatoes or pasta.

Older children can add vegetables to salads. In this case, you should choose the most juicy and fleshy fruits grown without the use of chemicals.

Selection rules

Pepper is a permitted product, but you need to choose it carefully:

Buy vegetables should be in season, and only grown outdoors.;

It is better to buy medium-sized and fleshy fruits;
Avoid damaged vegetables;
It is better to refuse green fruits: they are less sweet and bitter.

Pepper is a tasty and healthy vegetable. However, do not introduce it into the child's diet too early. The baby's body will receive the maximum benefit from the product only if it is ready for it.

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A favorite vegetable, tasty and healthy, mothers try to include in children food, asking only questions about the age of the child and how to prepare peppers for babies. Parents are also worried about whether bell pepper will harm the health of their beloved child.

Sweet pepper was brought to Europe by Columbus from South America, the birthplace of this vegetable crop. Pepper came to Russia at the end of the 18th century from Bulgaria, which gave the name to this healthy vegetable. Quite quickly, he won universal recognition and became one of the most consumed products.

Compound

Bulgarian pepper is not only a very beautiful vegetable, but also extremely beneficial for the health of children.

The beneficial effect of bell pepper on the body is ensured by the presence of many useful substances in the vegetable.

Pepper contains:

Vitamins: and its precursor beta-carotene, PP,. The content of carotene in bell pepper exceeds that in. By the presence of vitamin C, this vegetable can compete with lemon, which have always been considered the richest sources. ascorbic acid. The largest number vitamins is located near the stem. Even a small piece of pepper (only 40 g) provides the child daily allowance"Ascorbs".
Trace elements: potassium, phosphorus, sodium, silicon,.
Natural carbohydrates (sucrose, fructose, glucose).
Esters ( essential oils): chlorogenic, P-coumaric acids.
Biologically active substances: alkaloid capsaicin, lycopene, etc.

The benefits of bell pepper

The unique combination of nutrients in the composition of bell pepper has favorable influence for all internal organs and systems. Few vegetables can compete with him in such positive impact on the body.

Vitamin A helps to improve vision, reduce eye strain (this is important for children who sit at the computer for a long time).
Accelerating the regenerative processes, vitamin A and the trace element zinc improve the condition of nails, hair and skin. The use of pepper is shown for dermatitis in children, hair loss.
The complex of vitamins C and PP strengthens vascular wall makes it more elastic. Therefore, bell pepper in the diet is necessary for children with frequent nosebleeds.
beneficial effect on nervous system vitamins from group B can help with sleep disorders (insomnia), with a child's tendency to depression, and stress (and even children have plenty of them). These vitamins also have a general strengthening effect, help improve memory and concentration in schoolchildren who are loaded school programs and extra activities.
The complex of vitamin C, B vitamins and iron in the composition of pepper contributes to an increase in hemoglobin, therefore, it is advisable to use this vegetable in children.
Phosphorus and calcium are essential for development and strengthening skeletal system and tooth enamel, which is important for a growing organism.
Natural sugars will serve as a source of energy for children, give them strength. Thanks to the fiber contained in pepper, the digestive system will improve with colic,.
Neutralization and excretion free radicals using this product will have a beneficial effect on the body. After heat treatment pepper does not lose these properties. It is desirable to use a vegetable for children living in an ecologically unfavorable region. Scientists from Italy have obtained evidence that the compounds present in bell pepper prevent the entry of carcinogenic substances that cause cancer into tissue cells.
Rarely found in other vegetables, but present in bell peppers, the substance lycopene prevents the progression cancerous tumor and development of metastases. Its influence is also supplemented by chlorogenic and P-coumaric acids present in pepper.

The low calorie content of the product (only 27 kcal per 100 g of bell pepper) makes it dietary. Vegetables are included in the diet of children suffering. Although it is necessary to take into account the ability of pepper to increase appetite.

The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect of pepper, increasing immunity in a child will have a positive effect in the treatment of many diseases. Strengthening the protective forces of the child's body:

help in prevention colds, ;
will speed up the recovery of the baby in case of his illness.

The antioxidants found in the vegetable cause blood thinning, lowering blood pressure, which is important to consider for parents of children with.

Antioxidants also prevent the development of the inflammatory process in nerve cells and fibers, that is, they prevent the development of neuralgia.

Harm of bell pepper

In some cases, bell pepper causes food allergy.

This healthy vegetable can provide harmful effect on the child's body in some cases:

The essential oils contained in pepper can provoke the development of skin rashes accompanied by itching. Fruits with bright colors (red, yellow, orange) are more likely to cause allergies.
Unremoved seeds can not only give a bitter taste to the vegetable, but also irritant effect on the gastric mucosa due to the alkaloid capsaicin.
With caution, pepper should be given at reduced blood pressure(often found in teenagers).

The use of fresh bell pepper is contraindicated for children with such a pathology:

haemorrhoids;
epilepsy;
increased nervous excitability;
hypotension;
diseases of the liver and kidneys.

What fruits to choose?

Green fruits have less sweetness than yellow and red ones. In addition, thermally processed green peppers acquire some bitterness.

However, they contain more substances that reduce the risk of development and growth cancer cells. They also have more antioxidants than fruits with other colors, they will prevent the development of neuritis.

Pepper storage

The maximum shelf life of fresh pepper in the refrigerator is a week.

For longer storage, the vegetable can be frozen.

It is better to do this by dividing the fruits into portions so as not to re-defrost and freeze them, as in this case the beneficial properties will be lost.
For defrosting, it is not recommended to place vegetables in water.

The fruits of sweet pepper can also be pickled - they will retain about 60% of trace elements and vitamins. But pickled vegetables can be consumed by children only in preschool and school age in the absence of pathology from the gastrointestinal tract.

When should you start giving pepper to your child?

Pediatricians and nutritionists advise introducing Bulgarian pepper into the diet not earlier than when the child reaches the age of 10-11 months, but only in baked or boiled form.

The first portion of the new product should be scanty - no more than 0.5 tsp. In the next 2 days, it is necessary to monitor the child's reaction to the resulting vegetable.

With absence allergic manifestations as:

rashes;
peeling of the skin;
puffiness of the face;
skin itching;

the portion of the vegetable supplement in the dishes gradually increases to 30 g. With the development of an allergic reaction, pepper is immediately excluded from the baby's diet.

Of course, the most useful are the fresh fruits of bell pepper. But in their raw form, they can only be given to babies over 1.5 years old. Pickled peppers are allowed to be introduced into the diet of children after 3-4 years.

How to give pepper to children

In boiled or baked form, pepper for babies can be added to vegetable puree, soup.

Peppers can be steamed like other vegetables.
Baking a vegetable is very simple: in the oven, on a baking sheet, lightly greased, until tender. Readiness is determined by the darkened skin that separates from the pulp.

After cooling the baked fruits, you need to remove the skin from them. For young children, baked peppers must be chopped with a blender and added to the first or second course. Older children can already eat such a vegetable not chopped, but simply cut into pieces.

Bell pepper seasoning is suitable for pasta, vegetable or mashed potatoes, meat dishes.
Pepper will improve taste qualities and first courses, complement the taste of pickle or borscht for older children.

Moms with a bit of imagination decorate dishes for the baby with bright slices of bell pepper.

Summary for parents

Bulgarian pepper can decorate any dish in an original way.

Bell pepper is one of the most healthy vegetables. For babies (from 10 months old), boiled or baked peppers, crushed to a puree consistency, are added to dishes. From 18 months children can eat this vegetable raw, in salads - so the child will get everything nutrients bulgarian tasty, sweet pepper.

O useful properties ah bell pepper in the program "Live healthy!" with Elena Malysheva:

It is hard to imagine that bell pepper was once absent from Europe - until the return of the Columbus expedition from America. Only in the XVIII century it was brought to Russia. We met this vegetable with caution, but quickly fell in love with it for its beautiful rich color and pleasant taste: pronounced, sweet-sour. Now he is among the favorites, but many parents do not know whether it is worth giving it to babies, if “yes”, then from what age.

Composition of bell pepper

Do you think lemons contain the most vitamin C? No, in terms of the amount of ascorbic acid, bell pepper is significantly ahead of it, however, like blackcurrant. There are other useful substances in it:

Vitamins of group B. Effective in diabetes, will help with a tendency to depression, useful for schoolchildren, as they strengthen memory. It is a sure remedy for insomnia or weakness.
Provitamin A (a substance that, when ingested, is converted into vitamin A). It has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, hair and nails.
Vitamin R. In combination with vitamin C, it helps to strengthen blood vessels.
Capsaicin is an alkaloid that has a positive effect on the composition of the blood, it is extremely useful for gastrointestinal tract.
Minerals, including iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and many others. They not only increase the absorption of iron, but also have a healing effect, increase the body's resistance to infections.

Bulgarian pepper contains a complex of useful substances, the combination of which positively affects almost all internal organs. It is believed that the compounds present in it prevent the penetration of carcinogenic elements into cells that cause cancer.

What is useful bell pepper

A rare vegetable can compete with bell pepper in terms of positive impact on the body. It is especially useful fresh. Its use is advisable for the following reasons:

Increases the elasticity of blood vessels, so if the baby is prone to nosebleeds, bell pepper - the best remedy, of course, auxiliary, in addition to the treatment prescribed by the doctor.
Due to beta-carotene reduces the effects increased load on the eyes - for this reason it should be included in the diet of schoolchildren.
It has a positive effect on the digestive system, in particular, on the stomach and pancreas.
Bulgarian pepper is recommended to eat with anemia - it helps to increase hemoglobin due to B vitamins, ascorbic acid and iron.
Antioxidant action. With the regular use of bell pepper, it is possible to increase the immunity of the child, and even if he gets sick, recovery will come sooner.
Strengthens bones, which is especially important for a rapidly growing young body. This is facilitated by phosphorus and calcium.
Removal of carcinogens - this happens due to P-coumaric and chlorogenic acids, complements the effect of the lycopene contained in bell pepper (let's open a little secret - it is more in bright red fruits).

This vegetable is also useful for those children who are subject to intellectual stress. In particular, they go to special schools or intensive development groups at kindergartens. It improves the ability to concentrate, strengthens memory. It is also recommended for those who live in ecologically disadvantaged areas.

The introduction of bell pepper in the diet of a child

If the baby is healthy, from the age of 10 months you can offer him Bulgarian pepper as part of the soup. Of course, the skin must be removed from it. For the first time, it is worth adding quite a bit of pulp in order to evaluate the reaction of the crumbs to New Product. If everything is in order, next time you can increase the portion of pepper.

In the process of heat treatment, useful substances are destroyed - bell pepper is much more useful fresh. Due to the abundance of fiber, it should not be given to children until one and a half years old - it is necessary to wait until the baby's digestive system gets stronger. If after this vegetable the child's tummy swells or incomprehensible rashes appear on the skin, it should be immediately excluded from the diet.

To save more vitamins it is best to bake bell peppers. In this form, it is suitable for food even for babies aged 10-12 months. The pepper does not need special treatment - it must be laid out on a baking sheet, sprinkled sunflower oil and bake until done. After that, you need to wait until the vegetable cools down a bit, and then carefully remove the skin. After that, the product can be added to soup or vegetable stew.

AT early age, before reaching a year, it is better to chop the baked pepper with a blender. Later, when the baby grows up, it will be enough to cut the product into small pieces. It is suitable as a condiment for rice porridge, pasta, delicious with mashed potatoes. Great addition to meat dishes, excellent taste vegetable stew. Other recommendations:

Fresh bell pepper is given no earlier than 1.5 years. You can make a vitamin salad from it ( fresh cabbage, carrots, onions - if the child perceives it well, and peeled pepper, it is advisable to choose sweet). It can also be combined with cucumbers and tomatoes.
For dressing salads with bell peppers, you do not need to use mayonnaise, they will be much more useful with sour cream, sunflower or olive oil.
Pieces of vegetable are an excellent addition to side dishes, it is enough to lightly sprinkle them with oil, sprinkle with dill or parsley. Bright red pepper is often used to decorate children's dishes. In general, it can be used to fill the curd mass.
Bulgarian pepper complements the taste of first courses very well - including borscht, pickle and many others.
After a year, the baby can cook stuffed peppers with veal or minced chicken- in this case, it is more convenient to remove the skin after cooking.

Please note that due to a large number fiber this vegetable should not be given to children with diseases digestive tract, kidney and liver. Sometimes bell pepper causes increased formation of gases in the intestines - in this case, its use should be limited.

By offering your child bell pepper dishes, you will not only delight him with a new taste, but also enrich children's body very different beneficial substances. If your baby is already one and a half years old, you can gradually introduce this vegetable into his diet. And it is best to give a little gourmet Bell pepper for breakfast or lunch. Most likely, having tried it for the first time, the baby will gladly eat the entire portion offered.

The baby is naughty and does not want to eat? We'll fix everything! Seeing a funny composition on a plate, he will enjoy the dish to the last spoon. So remember: beautifully designed food increases appetite and is better absorbed.

Pepper for children - a solid benefit!

100 g of juicy fruits contain about 300 mg of vitamin C. It turns out that this is a worthy rival of lemon and black currant. By eating just a small piece, the baby will provide for himself daily allowance ascorbic acid! And there is a lot of provitamin A in juicy Bulgarian pepper - more than in carrots! This substance called "carotene" stimulates hair growth, strengthens vision, improves the condition of the skin and mucous membranes. In addition, pepper strengthens well blood vessels. And the vitamins B2, B6, B12, E, P, PP contained in it, beta-carotene, proteins, fatty acid and essential oils are needed for good brain function, daytime activity, and also for a good night's sleep. Also, this vegetable contains a lot of carbohydrates necessary for children, including such useful ones as glucose, fructose and sucrose. They are a universal source of energy for strength and growth, well increase appetite.

The dietary fibers of bell pepper stimulate the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract, absorb toxic substances and cholesterol. Therefore, a bright juicy vegetable is useful for normal operation intestines. Pepper contains natural substances bioflavonoids, which are antioxidants. They will improve health in case of allergies, as they have the ability to protect cells from toxic effects and help them recover quickly. Gobbling up pepper, the little one also receives other important micro and macro elements (potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, fluorine, zinc, iron, iodine), which eliminate inflammatory processes perfectly strengthen many systems of the body and its defensive forces. They are also suitable for student diet.

How to cook pepper for a child

bell pepper for a child you can just bake it in the oven - so it will retain the maximum of useful properties and will be safe for the health of the allergic crumbs. Place whole vegetables on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and place in a well-heated oven. But don't leave them unattended!

Has the peel started bubbling and darkening? So the dish is ready! Put the peppers on a board and cover with a deep plate or saucepan for a few minutes. Under the influence of heat, the skin will easily separate from the pulp. Cooled vegetables can be chopped and mixed with pasta or cereals. If you come across a copy with a particularly sweet taste, you can give pepper baby as part of vegetable salad. Fresh fruits are in perfect harmony with cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, white cabbage. Top it all with sour cream or vegetable oil(sunflower, olive or corn). Also, pieces of raw fruits can be served as an independent dish, sprinkled with olive oil and sprinkled with finely chopped herbs. And do not forget that bell pepper gives a unique taste and aroma to any vegetable soups.