For a child to grow and truly thrive, they need to follow a balanced diet, which means eating from all five food groups; protein, starch, fat, vegetables and fruits. Fruits form an essential part of a healthy diet and offer numerous health benefits. Fruit is naturally low in fat, high in fibre and is packed with vitamins and nutrients \u2013 plus, it\u2019s tasty! These are some of the health benefits you can expect from eating certain fruits, and why it should form a part of your child\u2019s \u2013 and your \u2013 diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apples<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Apples are often one of the first foods parents introduce to babies \u2013 for good reason. You know the saying, \u201cAn apple a day keeps the doctor away\u201d? Well, there is actually some truth in it. One of the standout ingredients in apples are polyphenols – polyphenols help to improve immunity, can protect against diseases like diabetes and cancer, and give your heart health a boost. And the health benefits of apples don\u2019t stop there; they also contain a good amount of fibre \u2013 around 4 grams per apple \u2013 and significant amounts of Vitamin C, Vitamin K and the mineral potassium, which helps your body move nutrients into cells and is necessary to keep your nerves and muscles functioning optimally. Try Squish Apple 100% Fruit Puree, straight from the pouch, or squeezed over fresh fruit.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Mango<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A popular first food choice due to its sweetness, just one cup of mango will give you almost 70% of your daily dose of Vitamin C, which your body needs to boost immunity and for iron absorption. But the benefits don\u2019t end there; mango also contains B vitamins \u2013 sometimes referred to as the \u2018building blocks of a healthy body\u2019. There are 8 different B vitamins and they all contribute towards ensuring the body\u2019s cells function as they should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That single serving of mango also delivers almost 10% of your daily Vitamin A and Vitamin E needs. Not only is fibre-rich mango particularly high in antioxidants, it also contains the super antioxidant mangiferin, which may protect heart cells from inflammation and counteract free radical damage linked to diabetes and certain cancers. Try Squish Mango & Banana 100% fruit puree, which is 100% fruit and is free from preservatives, colourants, flavourants and starch <\/em>or Squish Pear, Butternut, Yoghurt + Mango with Cinnamon Fruit and Vegetable Puree With Yoghurt.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Banana<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Children love bananas, and they\u2019re easy to mash if your little one is only starting on solids. The good-for-you fruit is a source of potassium and magnesium, which are both essential for heart health, and the fruit\u2019s high pectin and resistant starch content means that bananas may keep you full for longer because they slow the emptying of your stomach contents. Bananas can also help stabilise blood sugar levels after a meal. The added bonus to eating this tasty, versatile fruit? Studies have shown that women who eat bananas two to three times a week were 33% less likely to develop kidney disease, when compared to those who didn\u2019t. Try Squish Banana & Apple 100% Fruit Puree as a delicious meal or snack at home or on the go.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Strawberries<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Just 1 cup of strawberries provides more than 100% of your recommended daily dietary allowance of Vitamin C, which plays a critical role in wound healing and helping your body fight off infection. Strawberries are also packed with antioxidants called polyphenols to help protect your body from disease and ageing, and they contain small amounts of iron, Vitamin B9 and magnesium. Try Squish Summer Berries Fruit Puree, or Squish Pear, Banana & Strawberry Fruit Puree \u2013 100% fruit puree with no added nasties like preservatives, flavourants, colourants or starch .<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n