Can Children Eat Sushi?
Can Children Eat Sushi?
Sushi is a Japanese food that is popular in Indonesia and is liked by both adults and children. However, is sushi safe for children to eat? Let's see the review here.
Fish is the main ingredient used to make sushi. Thanks to its high protein content, eating fish can boost the immune system, support muscle formation, and build, strengthen and repair children's body tissues.
Not only that, the vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish are also beneficial for children's brain development and eye health. In addition, other ingredients in sushi, such as avocado, cucumber, and seaweed, also contain good nutrition for children.
Risks of Consumption of Sushi in Children
Sushi is made with rice, fish, and other ingredients rolled together. Generally, sushi is processed directly by hand, from cutting the ingredients to rolling. That is why, if the preparation and presentation is not hygienic, sushi can cause food poisoning.
Fish on sushi can be served cooked or raw, depending on the type of sushi. Eating raw fish can also increase the risk of food poisoning due to contamination with bacteria and parasites, such as Salmonella, Vibrio, Clostridium, or Listeria.
In addition, some types of fish also contain high levels of mercury, such as tuna, mackerel, snapper, grouper, marlin, or mackerel. Mercury exposure can damage the nervous system and interfere with brain function so that it can reduce a child's ability to learn and think.
So, Can Children Eat Sushi?
The answer is, you can. However, there are some things you need to pay attention to before giving sushi to your little one. The safe age for children to eat sushi is from 2.5 to 5 years.
It would be even better if the child has received complete immunization and hepatitis A vaccination. The reason is, consumption of raw fish can increase the risk of children getting hepatitis A, although it is relatively rare.
Also make sure the sushi is well prepared and hygienic. Choose sushi with ingredients that are cooked until cooked to be free from bacteria and parasites that cause disease. In addition, you are advised to choose sushi with fish that are low in mercury, such as salmon, or that use other fillings, such as shrimp or crab.
In addition, sushi tends to be high in salt and low in fiber. Sushi fried in flour contains more refined carbohydrates and saturated fat, especially when the sushi is eaten with mayonnaise. Therefore, the amount of sushi consumption in children also needs to be limited.
Besides having an attractive shape, sushi has a savory taste and tends to be easily consumed by children because it is in small pieces. In addition, sushi can also be an alternative source of protein for children. However, sushi consumption in children needs to be limited.
There are many other foods that can also be made interesting for children and contain a lot of nutrients, really. Try to be creative in processing vegetables, fruits, grains, eggs, and milk or their processed products into a delicious and interesting eating menu for your little one every day.
However, mothers need to remember, limit the addition of sugar and salt in food, and you should avoid processing your little one's food by frying it. If necessary, you can consult with your doctor about safe and nutritious food choices for your little one to consume every day.
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