Fish is one of the few foods that experts all agree on. All research carried out shows that fish is full all of the nutrients that a young body needs. It also plays an important role in helping to prevent many diseases in later life.

Check out this quick reference so that you can see exactly what fish has to offer and why it’s important and an essential ingredient to bring to your dinner table.

Protein:

Fish is very rich in Protein. Our body needs protein to build strong muscles and bones. Our entire body needs protein – hair, nails, skin, lungs, hearts and muscles and it is a vital nutrient for healthy development in children.

Vitamins and Minerals:

Fish are rich in the essential minerals and vitamins that are bodies need. It is rich in zinc, iodine and selenium. Zinc helps to boost our immune system to help fight off coughs and colds, Iodine is essential for a healthy metabolism and Selenium helps to protect our body from toxins. Vitamins A and D can be found in oily fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel. Vitamin A is needed for healthy skin and eyes and Vitamin D is important for helping the body to absorb calcium needed for growing bones. Vitamin D is not present in many foods so oily fish consumption at least once a week is essential for Children, allowing their bodies the opportunity to receive the required amount. All fish contains Vitamin B12, which is vital for growing new blood cells.

Omega 3 fats:

These special fats can’t be made in the body so it is imperative that we get them from the food we eat. They are a particularly important fat for children as they play an essential role in the early development of the brain and nerves.

Summary:

The earlier you introduce your child to eating fish (ideally before the age of 2) the better. Children can be put off food for many reasons including their texture, smell or taste, so the earlier we familiarise them with fish the better.

As your child grows let them help you prepare dinner, usually when a child is involved in the prep or the cooking of something they are more likely to try it.

Try not to force your child to try something; this will have a negative impact on them trying it again.  Maybe introduce small bite size pieces in the form of a snack or a small starter to get them to experiment with different flavours and ingredients.