China currently has 260 million patients with chronic diseases, and deaths caused by chronic diseases account for 85% of the total deaths in the country. The burden of chronic diseases has reached 70% of the total disease burden. An unbalanced diet has become a major factor endangering public health. Surveys show that many people's diets are high in oil, high in salt, and excessive in animal-based foods, leading to a severely unbalanced dietary structure.
Data from the "China Health and Nutrition Survey (1989-2009)" shows that over the past 20 years, meat consumption among Chinese residents has risen rapidly, reaching 180 grams in urban areas, which is more than double the 50-75 grams recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents, and even higher in rural areas at 200 grams. Meanwhile, vegetable consumption has gradually decreased, from about 400 grams in 1989 to an average of just over 300 grams in 2009. In terms of dietary guidance, we often talk about eating in moderation, while recommending more vegetables and fruits, which is closely related to their nutritional characteristics. Vegetables and fruits provide us with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber beneficial to health, such as vitamin C, carotene, potassium, and magnesium, most of which cannot be obtained from grains and meats.
Dietary habits formed during childhood have a significant impact on food preferences in adulthood. In daily life, it is common to see some children being picky eaters, with more than one-third disliking vegetables and fruits. This is related to improper feeding methods by parents during the transition from milk to other foods during infancy. When complementary foods are introduced at 6 months of age, scientifically adding vegetable and fruit purees or juices is crucial for a child's lifelong eating habits. During this transition period, it is essential to follow the progression from liquid to pureed, and then to textured (chunky) forms.
Complementary foods can be introduced to infants at 4-6 months, at which time they can be given various vegetable and fruit juices. The low dietary fiber content in juices is suitable for the digestive function of 4-6-month-old infants. By 8 months, children can accept "pureed or chunky" vegetables and fruits, so parents can provide some purees or small pieces (or strips) of fruits and vegetables. Compared to juice, puree retains some dietary fiber. For example, blending green kiwi into a puree not only is rich in vitamin C and carotene, but its dietary fiber content is three times that of ordinary green leafy vegetables, and most of it is soluble, acting as a prebiotic to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria in infants. At 6 months, infants can perform gross motor skills, such as grasping objects; by 8 months, they start to develop fine motor skills, such as pinching apple strips or picking up banana pieces. At this time, parents can cut vegetable and fruit strips for the child to pick up and eat by themselves, which is very helpful for their intellectual development.