The festival of Tu Bishvat can be enjoyable for children since it is a nature holiday when dried fruit and different kinds of nuts are eaten, but it can also be dangerous. Specialists at Schneider Children’s have issued recommendations in anticipation of the festival.

Prof. Yehezkel Waisman, Director of the Emergency Medicine Department  at Schneider Children’s, notes that children under the age of 5 should not be given nuts of any kind: walnuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, cashews, almonds and so on. Furthermore, it is important to ensure that all nuts are not left within the hand reach of any child under 5 years old. Dried fruits and round-shaped fruits should be sliced lengthwise in order to prevent choking, and any pits removed from fruit given to a toddler.

Dr. Michal Gilon, clinical dietician in the Nutrition and Dietary Unit at Schneider Children’s, recommends combining dried fruits, nuts, walnuts and other seeds on the menu but not to exaggerate their use. Dried fruits can be added to a variety of foods such as cakes and baked goods, salads and goats cheese. One serving of fruit (about 50 calories) is equivalent to a large dried fig (or 2 smaller ones), 2 soft dates, 2 dried prunes, 3 dried apricots, a tablespoon of raisins, 4 pieces of dried apple, and one slice of dried pineapple. It is better to select fruit dried without the addition of sugar. Dried fruit gives temporary energy and can therefore be eaten before exercise (in proper amounts of course). They are rich in fiber and promote proper bowel function especially among those who suffer from constipation. They are also rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron.

While nuts and seeds are high in calories and fats, they contain many health benefits among which are the type of fat that can help reduce the levels of cholesterol in the blood along with a range of vitamins and minerals. One serving (an average of 45 calories) is equivalent to 3 pecans or walnuts, 4 cashew nuts, 6-8 almonds, nuts or hazel nuts, or 2 tablespoons of sunflower/watermelon/pumpkin/pistachio (15 gms with shells) seeds. It is recommended that seeds be eaten in their natural form without removing the shells, because shelling reduces the quality of acid oils and can even partially destroy the vitamin B contained in these nuts. It is always preferable to buy them without salt.


January 2010