Toffees undoubtedly hold a special place in every adult’s childhood memory. It’s especially true those who are born in the 1970s to 1990s. For them, toffees are symbolic of celebrating birthdays in school and spending special moments with friends. While toffees and candies continue to feature in every child’s junk eating routine, mothers who may be conscious about the kid’s nutrition may have reason to worry! But what if we give you a better alternative? Try introducing the benefits of amla candy to your child’s life!
With obesity and childhood diabetes cases hitting the roof in today’s time, children’s diet needs special attention. Parents play a huge role in helping them build good food habits.
Why sugar-laden toffees maybe bad for kids
For a child who may have spent more than two years in the house, dealing with online classes, toffee intake may lead to unhealthy sweet cravings as he orshe grows older. Children are more prone to cavities than adults, as it takes years for new enamel to harden after baby teeth have been lost and adult teeth begin to come in.
Also, excess sugar instake can lead to obesity, and increase the chances of developing high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
Why give your kids amla candy?
Replacing toffees with amla candies can prove very beneficial for the kids.
Nutritionist Avni Kaul tells Health Shots that amla Candy is a healthy, nutritious candy prepared with gooseberries. It is basically a raw and dried form of amla which can be stored for a long time. And it’s full of benefits.
“The vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidization properties of amla make it a great fruit that gives relief to respiratory problems like the common cold and cough. Thus, amla candies can improve the conditions of cough or cold among kids,” explains Kaul.
Amla, the Indian gooseberry, is packed with nutrients. It has an unusually perfect blend of bitter, pungent, sour, and sweet flavours.
Even amla powder, also known as amalaki, has several health benefits and can be ingested in a variety of ways such as amla juice, powder, or raw food. It may be used to produce jam, pickles, or candied amla.
Amla is also a nutritional gem since it contains high levels of calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
How to make amla candy at home
For this, you will need to combine sugar syrup (made from 600 gm sugar) with cooked, de-seeded amla (1 kg) and let it sit for two days. Next, take the amla pieces out and let them dry for two days or a little more in the sun. Sprinkle some black pepper and salt for that ‘khatta-meetha’ swaad!
However, make sure your child doesn’t eat excess amla.
Benefits of amla
1. Amla candies contain extract of amla or Indian gooseberries that are rich in vitamin c – a necessary nutrient for repairing body tissues, and bones and boosting the immune system.
2. It is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help to fight harmful infection and improves the body’s metabolism.
3. It also helps in improving the hemoglobin level in the body and it boosts the blood purification function. It also promotes the functioning of the heart and liver.
4. Amla is also known for its ability to boost hair production and improves collagen production in the skin. Thus, boost good skin and hair quality in both kids and adults.
That makes amla candy a win-win over toffees for your kids, isn’t it?
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