Buzz
Summer is the season of various ripe and delicious fruits, and moms won't overlook these options. From these fruits, moms can create numerous dishes for their kids, including smoothies, juices, ice cream, and fruit cakes...
However, when choosing fruits for kids, moms should carefully select the most suitable and safest options. Here are the top 5 fruits moms should limit for their kids to eat in the summer.
1. Watermelon
Summer is the season of watermelon, a fruit loved by many. Eating chilled watermelon on hot days is a refreshing treat. However, moms should note that if watermelon is too cold, the levels of effective antioxidants—lycopene and beta-carotene—drop by 40% and 139%, respectively. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, discomfort, and stomachaches in young children with developing digestive systems.
When feeding watermelon to young children, it's advisable to include the seeds. For older kids who can chew or swallow seeds, letting them eat the seeds is beneficial as they contain proteins, magnesium, vitamin B, and various nutrients that are good for the body. You can also blend both the seeds and watermelon flesh to make smoothies or juices, making it easier for kids to consume.
2. Pineapple
Remember, never feed pineapple to a hungry baby as it can cause discomfort and nausea. This is because pineapple contains organic compounds and bromelain that affect the stomach and intestines, making the child uncomfortable.
Also, avoid giving unripe pineapple to your baby as it can be harmful. Unripe pineapple can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting in babies.
3. Lychee
As the saying goes, lychee tastes delicious but is very heaty. Due to its delicious flavor, many kids love to eat lychee. However, moms should limit the intake as excessive consumption can cause internal heat, allergies, and disruptions in sugar metabolism.
Each time, moms should only allow the baby to eat about 5-6 lychees (100g). Moms should also avoid giving lychee to a hungry baby and should wait about 30 minutes after a meal before feeding.
4. Coconut
Coconut water contains a high amount of lauric acid, a fatty acid found in breast milk that benefits the digestive system of children and helps prevent constipation. From around 7-8 months of age, moms can introduce coconut water to their babies, but in moderate amounts and at reasonable intervals. Giving too much can lead to bloating and indigestion.
You can store coconut water in the refrigerator, but it's advisable to use it within 24 hours.
5. Mango
Mango belongs to the group of fruits that can cause allergies in children due to the resin in the peel, causing itching and rashes in young children. Moms should avoid letting children eat the peel and minimize contact with the resin.
6. Banana
Eating bananas during summer is common as they provide a rich source of magnesium. However, it's essential for moms to avoid feeding them to hungry children. Elevated magnesium levels in the blood can disrupt the balance between magnesium and calcium, affecting blood flow to the heart and posing risks to the health of little ones.
