In Indonesia, there are various types of fish that are safe and good for consumption by children. One of them is catfish. Besides being delicious, catfish also has a myriad of benefits for children's health you know, Bun.
Catfish are widely cultivated in Indonesia, because this fish contains many nutrients needed by the body. The nutritional content of catfish includes protein, fat, calcium, selenium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, as well as several vitamins, such as vitamins A, B1, and B12.
6 Benefits of Catfish for Children's Health
Despite having a fishy smell, catfish is an excellent source of animal protein for the growth and development of children. In addition, there are several benefits of catfish that can be obtained if children regularly consume it, including:
1. Educate the brain
The fat in catfish consists of a lot of omega-3 fatty acids. This is one of the important nutrients for children to get from their food. The content of omega-3 fatty acids in catfish is very good for educating the brain and preventing children from memory disorders or easy to forget.
2. Increase strength and endurance
The protein content in catfish can be a good source of energy to support children's daily activities. In addition, protein also plays an important role in building and repairing body tissues, including muscles and the immune system, as well as being the building block for various hormones and enzymes in the body.
In 100 grams of catfish, there are about 18 grams of protein, while the daily protein requirement for children aged less than 4 years is only 13 grams. So, by dividing 100 grams of this catfish into 3 portions at mealtime, you can meet your little one's protein needs in a day.
3. Prevent anemia
Catfish as much as 100 grams in a day is sufficient for the daily intake of vitamin B12 for children. Vitamin B12 contained in catfish has an important role in the production of red blood cells. Therefore, this vitamin is important to meet its needs to prevent anemia in children.
4. Healthy bones and teeth
Catfish is an easy source of vitamin D and calcium. Vitamin D and calcium play an important role in improving the health of children's bones and teeth.
By meeting the daily needs of these vitamins and minerals from the time of growth, your little one's bones and teeth can grow optimally, and the risk of him developing osteoporosis and dental problems in the future will also be reduced.
5. Healthy heart
Mothers need to know that heart disease doesn't just stalk adults. Children can also experience this disease. To keep your little one's heart healthy, protein intake and omega-3 fatty acids from fish, including catfish, can be key.
6. Protects the nervous system
Catfish is a type of fish that is low in mercury. In high levels, mercury can cause health problems such as nerve damage, especially in children.
Now, because the mercury content of catfish is low, your little one can still get the benefits of fish without the risk of experiencing disturbances due to excess mercury.
By knowing the information above, now you don't need to hesitate anymore to add catfish to your little one's daily menu. Although the price is cheaper than salmon, in fact catfish is no less useful in supporting the process of child development.
Even so, don't forget to pay attention to how to process catfish, right, Bun. Catfish is popularly served in the form of catfish pecel. However, giving fried catfish continuously can certainly increase the intake of unhealthy saturated fats from cooking oil.
So, try to process catfish in other ways, starting from boiling, sauteing, steaming, or grilling. Whatever the method of cooking, this fish is still delicious and suitable to be eaten anytime, how come.
If you still have questions about catfish in your child's diet, don't hesitate to consult a nutritionist. Doctors can recommend a healthy menu with catfish and various other sources of nutrition for the baby's daily diet.