Barley porridge for children: benefits and harms

Barley groats is a cereal crop that has been consumed since ancient times. Many people have heard about the value of the plant, but not all parents are aware of its effect on the child's body. A distinctive feature of porridge is that it is cooked from unpolished grains. Therefore, the final dish has much greater value when compared with its analogues. We will analyze everything regarding the reception of cereals by children.

The benefits of barley porridge

1. Groats are obtained by grinding barley grains, due to which the product retains all useful substances. These compounds ensure the correct development of the child in accordance with his age category. In the composition there are many dietary fibers that ensure the proper functioning of the digestive system.
2. For kids prone to developing an allergic reaction, this porridge will be a real salvation. Fiber in combination with antioxidants expels from toxic systems and organs all toxic substances, toxins, salts of heavy metals, etc. Thanks to complete cleansing, the body works without failures, without being exposed to allergens.
3. If the product is correctly added to the nutrition of the child, it will be possible to establish the functions of the intestine, normalize its microflora and increase motility. Porridge is completely absorbed without burdening the digestive tract. It does not provoke flatulence, but rather eliminates it in a short time.
4. The dish is useful for babies who suffer from low hemoglobin. The basis of the cell contains a lot of iron, which prevents the likelihood of anemia and maintains blood glucose.
5. Due to its low calorie content and fast saturation, cereals are prepared in water for an overweight child. The product quickly cleanses the digestive system, and also contributes to comfortable weight loss without stress for the body.
6. Experts unanimously say that it is simply necessary to include porridge in the menu of children involved in sports. The composition contains vegetable protein, which strengthens the muscle corset and forms bone tissue, making it stronger. In parallel with this, energy resources are restored, the baby feels alert, sleeps better and is less stressed.
7. It is also worth saying that the product brings undeniable value to the heart muscle and circulatory system. The minerals present in the cell in full, establish the heartbeat and strengthen the walls of the blood channels.
8. Thanks to the contained amino acids, carnitine production is improved. This substance is aimed at suppressing cholesterol deposits and removing plaques from the cavity of the blood channels. This porridge also concentrates a very important mineral substance - iodine, which normalizes the activity of the thyroid gland.
9. Benefits for babies bring gluten, which has an enveloping effect. It protects the mucous membranes of the digestive system from irritation, thereby preventing peptic ulcer and gastritis. Decoctions based on this raw material are used to relieve pain in the stomach.
10. Vitamins belonging to the B-group are necessary for the psycho-emotional environment. Thanks to them, the mood improves, stress resistance increases, the baby becomes less capricious, focuses faster. Reception of porridge as a whole favorably affects the health of the younger generation.

Selection and storage of cereals

In the end, to get a truly valuable dish, you need to pay attention to the choice of product and store it correctly. We will discuss the criteria to consider.

1. So, before paying for the goods, conduct a visual inspection. It is necessary to make sure that all grains are pigmented in the same way and also have equal size.
2. The uniformity of the granules, as well as the friability of the cereals, are very important. If glued particles are present in the composition, such products must be discarded. This fact indicates violations of safety rules.
3. Be sure to evaluate the packaging and its integrity. In the presence of damaged places, moisture and air enter inside, which makes the cereal unsuitable for sale and long exposure. Also evaluate the expiration date.
4. After purchase, pour the contents into a plastic container or other sealed container. Leave the cereal exclusively in a dark place, do not put strong-smelling foods nearby. Make sure that the storage cabinet is dry and ventilated. Subject to all conditions, holding the box is allowed for a year.

Introduction of barley porridge to the child’s diet

1. The porridge in question goes well with milk, dried fruits, fruits and berries. Therefore, such a dish will be an excellent healthy breakfast for an actively growing organism. Experts assure that the presented product is best introduced into the baby’s diet from 1 year old.
2. If at the age of one, the child still regularly has colic or flatulence, then the introduction of porridge into the diet is better to postpone to 2 years. For the first time, give the product in an amount of more than 0.5 tsp. This will allow the body to adapt to the new composition.
3. Before giving the baby porridge, pass the raw materials through a coffee grinder. Thanks to this action, a weakened digestive system will make it easier to digest food. Boil the product on water, do not add anything superfluous. It is also not recommended to add sweeteners.
4. Please note that during such a period it is forbidden to introduce new products. At this time, you must find out whether the child's body perceives porridge normally. Therefore, after meeting with the product, follow the reaction of the child. An allergic reaction is extremely rare. Most often, itching, redness, swelling, abdominal pain occurs.
5. If you notice such manifestations, stop giving porridge to the child. In the absence of such manifestations, the baby is allowed to re-offer the product after 2 days. This time the child is allowed to give already 1 tsp. product. Each time, increase the portion, which is set according to age. Include porridge in the menu is allowed only twice a week.

Harm barley porridge

1. The main disadvantage of the product is that it contains a fairly large amount of gluten. Such a protein often contribute to the development of an allergic reaction in a fragile organism. Some babies experience congenital gluten intolerance. The body simply cannot break it down.
2. This pathology is called celiac disease. With this disease, it is forbidden to consume not only dishes with barley, but also with any products that contain gluten. Therefore, be prepared for someone that your baby may have intolerance to this protein.

Barley porridge has a lot of useful properties that will help the children's body to fully develop. The main thing is to introduce the product into the diet gradually and in a minimal amount. Watch the reaction of the body. Otherwise, it is not recommended to combine the product with boiled eggs. You should not add fat milk and sweeteners to porridge in large quantities.

Video: how to cook barley porridge