<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>The resources for optimal growth are biologically valuable substances that ensure life, and their consumption needs to be balanced and moderate with an adequate eating plan. Survey showed that 84% of respondents chose food products with low nutritional value and high energy value. The general aim of the research was to evaluate the eating habits of primary school pupils and to compare the tendencies in city and regional schools. Catering services are very different schools of Latvia in terms of both mealtimes and prices. Basic criteria were elaborated for estimation of catering quality for children in schools. It was found that 36% of school children in out-of-school conditions regularly consumed snacks with simple carbohydrates on a daily basis. For better utilisation of food, fresh unprocessed fruits and berries with high mineral and vitamin content have great significance. Pectin found in black currants is used as a natural gelling agent. Structured fruit puree was found to have the most important physical-chemical and sensory parameters. Recommendations to improve healthy eating habits of school children were developed.</p></abstract>

The resources for optimal growth are biologically valuable substances that ensure life, and their consumption needs to be balanced and moderate with an adequate eating plan. Survey showed that 84% of respondents chose food products with low nutritional value and high energy value. The general aim of the research was to evaluate the eating habits of primary school pupils and to compare the tendencies in city and regional schools. Catering services are very different schools of Latvia in terms of both mealtimes and prices. Basic criteria were elaborated for estimation of catering quality for children in schools. It was found that 36% of school children in out-of-school conditions regularly consumed snacks with simple carbohydrates on a daily basis. For better utilisation of food, fresh unprocessed fruits and berries with high mineral and vitamin content have great significance. Pectin found in black currants is used as a natural gelling agent. Structured fruit puree was found to have the most important physical-chemical and sensory parameters. Recommendations to improve healthy eating habits of school children were developed.

Possibilities for Providing Healthy Nutrition for Developing Children in Primary Schools in Latvia

Proceedings of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. Section B. Natural, Exact, and Applied Sciences.

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

The resources for optimal growth are biologically valuable substances that ensure life, and their consumption needs to be balanced and moderate with an...

Possibilities for Providing Healthy Nutrition for Developing Children in Primary Schools in Latvia

Published Online: Jan 19, 2018

Page range: 447 - 452

Received: Oct 07, 2016

Accepted: Oct 18, 2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/prolas-2017-0079

Keywords
pupils, fruits, nutritional value, quality

© 2017 Anita Olšteine et al., published by De Gruyter Open

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Possibilities for Providing Healthy Nutrition for Developing Children in Primary Schools in Latvia

Published Online: Jan 19, 2018

Page range: 447 - 452

Received: Oct 07, 2016

Accepted: Oct 18, 2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/prolas-2017-0079

Keywordspupils, fruits, nutritional value, quality

© 2017 Anita Olšteine et al., published by De Gruyter Open

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
pupils, fruits, nutritional value, quality