According to the NIH's nutrition data table, about half a cup of chopped avocado can provide about 22 mg of magnesium and many unsaturated fats that are good for the brain and nervous system.
It is noteworthy that magnesium not only helps maintain nerve function but also supports stabilizing muscle activity and regulating sleep.
Magnesium helps maintain the normal functioning of nerves, muscles and the immune system, while also participating in regulating blood sugar and producing energy for the body.
Pediatric nutrition experts believe that modern children are at higher risk of magnesium deficiency than before due to the trend of eating more processed foods but less green vegetables, nuts and natural fruits.
Meanwhile, avocado is a fruit that contains both magnesium and is rich in healthy fats, folate and vitamin E - important factors for neurological development in young children.
A major advantage of avocado is its natural soft and smooth structure, suitable for weaning and young children. Unlike many other magnesium-rich foods such as nuts or whole grains that may be difficult for children to eat, avocado is easy to process into many simple dishes.
Because of its softness and ease of preparation, avocado is often used in weaning menus in many places.
Some ways to prepare butter suitable for children include:
ground butter combined with unsweetened yogurt;
Avocado smoothie with bananas;
Barley with oatmeal;
Soft butter sandwich for older children;
Mix butter with mashed eggs or sweet potatoes.
Combining avocado with foods rich in vitamin B6 such as bananas is also said to help support better neurological activity.
However, experts also note that avocados contain quite a high amount of fat, so they need to be used in appropriate amounts according to age. For young children, they should only start with a small amount to monitor their absorption capacity. In addition, although avocado allergies are not common, parents should still observe children's reactions when they eat this fruit for the first time.
According to NIH nutritional recommendations, magnesium needs in children vary with age: children aged 1-3 years need about 80 mg/day, children aged 4-8 years need about 130 mg/day.
This shows that avocado alone will not be enough to meet the entire magnesium needs, but needs to be combined with a diverse diet including green vegetables, whole grains, beans and fruits.
