Grapefruit For Your Baby: 7 Amazing Health Benefits

Adequate nutrition is the mantra that all parents swear by for their babies. They want to give a mix of all types of foods that is healthy and filling. Even the doctor recommends that all babies should be offered all sorts of fruits and vegetables so that all-important nutrients from those can be absorbed by the body. In this article, we discuss the safety and necessity of grapefruit for your baby.

It is no doubt crucial to give the common fruits like banana, apple, mango, but on the list is also a fruit which is not chosen by many. This fruit is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants and even comes in different colors. Grapefruit is one healthy option that provides many of the vital nutrients essential for the healthy growth and development of the baby. It comes in different varieties and colors – white, yellow, pink, or deep red. Grapefruits have a variety of health benefits.

Nutritional Value of Grapefruit

Grapefruits are rich in Vitamin C and have high water content. They also provide small amounts of minerals and other vitamins that your baby needs to develop normally. Grapefruits contain vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that protects cells. Folate, which aids in the formation of DNA, is also present in a tiny amount in grapefruit.

Grapefruit provides trace amounts of bone-building calcium and iron, a mineral that helps the body transport oxygen. Potassium, an essential mineral for the nervous system, is present in grapefruit. This fruit is rich in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion in babies and thereby prevents constipation.

Can You Give Grapefruit to Your Baby?

Yes, you can try giving Grapefruit to your baby once they are introduced to the world of solid food. Grapefruit is highly beneficial for babies as it is not only a rich source of vitamin C and Vitamin A, it also provides small amounts of other vitamins and minerals that are essential for the healthy development of the baby. However, moderation is the key when it comes to feeding grapefruit to your baby.

7 Amazing Health Benefits of Grapefruits For Your Baby

Helps with detoxifying naturally- The grapefruits that are pink in color are loaded with antioxidants and it even helps in flushing the toxins from the body keeping the organs of the baby protected.

1. Improves the Immune System

Vitamin C is a major component of grapefruit that helps in enhancing the immunity of the child and even protects her against all sorts of infections. Also, being rich in vitamin A grapefruit influences the production of healthy white blood cells, thereby, plays a vital role in the baby’s immunity. Daily consumption of grapefruits makes you less vulnerable to the common cold and flu.

2. Helps in Strengthening Bones

The presence of lycopene strengthens the bones of the child.

3. Protects Liver

The child’s liver gets cleaned by the consumption of grapefruit. It expels the toxic agents from the liver making it healthier.

4. Enhances Eyesight and Cell Division

A quarter cup of sliced fresh grapefruit has 26.5 micrograms of vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyesight. Vitamin A also promotes cell division, which is essential for your baby’s growth and development.

5. Enhances Respiratory Health

The presence of vitamin C is responsible for boosting the complete respiratory health of a child. Grapefruit is also used to cure asthma or bronchitis, breathlessness, etc.

6. Boosts Hair Growth

Intake of grapefruit also promotes healthy hair growth. It even removes the bacteria present in the hair follicles or scalp which could lead to hair fall. It promotes blood circulation in the scalp and offers it adequate nourishment.

7. Prevents Constipation

Grapefruit is rich in dietary fibers. Therefore, giving baby grapefruit is an excellent means to combat constipation.

How Can I Give Grapefruit to My Baby?

Here are three ways of feeding grapefruit for babies:

1. Grapefruit Puree

You could always puree the fresh grapefruit to make it more appetizing for your baby. For this, remove the skin of the grapefruit slices and beat it in a blender until it is smooth. Grapefruit puree is the best means of introducing this fruit to the baby who recently weaned to solid food. You can add little sugar to cut down the acidity. To know whether adding sugar to the baby food helps in better digestion click here.

2. Grapefruit Juice

Take three or four slices of grapefruit. Peel the skin off. Blend it with little water and some sugar. Sugar will help to balance out the acidic content of the fruit. You can pour it into a sipper and let the baby drink.

3. Grapefruit Sugar Salad

Remove the skin of the grapefruit and slice it into small pieces before giving it to the child. Add a spoon of sugar. Blend well. This makes a wonderful salad for your baby.

Note:

One should be cautious that not more than two slices of this fruit are given at the start. Also, never give it more than a couple of times per week. This fruit has high acidic levels and is juicy as well, so the intake should be a moderate one. Giving too much grapefruit to your baby can pave the way for several intestinal issues as he grows up.

Side Effects of Grapefruit for Babies

There are some side effects associated with grapefruit juice and grapefruit for babies.

Allergic Reactions

Grapefruits aren’t generally considered allergens. However, as your baby eats acidic foods like grapefruit and other citrus fruit, a harmless rash may appear around the mouth. Diaper rashes are generally aggravated by acidic fruits. Even though they are rare if the baby is allergic to grapefruit they may exhibit symptoms like hives, diarrhea, stomach pains, and fussiness.

Interacts With Medicines

There are substances in grapefruit juice that can hinder the baby’s ability to metabolize certain medications. The consumption of grapefruit while taking these medications could result in an overdose and other complications.
A variety of drugs can interact with grapefruit, including antibiotics, heart drugs, CNS drugs, gastrointestinal drugs, and immunosuppressants. So, if your baby has a health condition and is taking medication, don’t give grapefruit without a doctor’s approval.

Tooth Enamel Damage or Erosion

Grapefruit, which contains a large amount of citric acid, can cause tooth enamel erosion if consumed in excess. It is best to stop feeding grapefruit for a few days if your baby or toddler is getting new teeth and is feeling sensitive.

Precautions and Considerations

There are a plethora of benefits from the consumption of grapefruits, yet there are some precautions and considerations that must be kept in mind while feeding them to babies regularly.

It is important to take the doctor’s advice before starting this fruit as it has high fiber and acidic properties.
In case of any allergies in the family due to the consumption of citrus fruits, it is best not to give them to the baby as it might have unfavorable effects.
In case any signs are seen like rashes, pain in the abdomen, or stomach upset, its consumption should be stopped at once.
Try offering the fruit in a juice, puree, or mashed form when starting, making it easier for the child to digest.
One should have a moderate consumption of the fruit as the excess of it could create intestinal disorders in the future.
Always cut into small pieces before giving to prevent choking hazards.
In order to minimize the acidic effect of the grapefruit, it is advisable to add sugar or honey.

How to Select and Store Grapefruit?

Select the Grapefruits that are firm, yet should feel soft to some extent when gentle pressure is applied.
Skin marks are quite common in grapefruits. However, the exterior of a grapefruit does not always affect the taste. Yet, overly rough or wrinkled skinned grapefruits should be avoided.
Avoid the grapefruit that shows an indication of decay. A markedly soft spot in the fruit indicates decay.
Keep grapefruit in room temperature and use them within a week.

Thus, we know that while grapefruit is a yummy fruit that is enriched with minerals and vitamins and has umpteen number of benefits that assist in the healthy growth and development of the baby yet one needs to be really cautious while having it regularly. Overall a superfood for the baby and be it white, pink, or even red color, it is a mix of risks as well as benefits and is a class apart from other fruits.

FAQ’s

1. Can Grapefruit Cause Acidity in Babies?

Grapefruits are citrus fruits. They do have acidity. Ensure your baby does not have these on an empty stomach.

2. Can my Baby Choke on Grapefruit?

No, it’s highly unlikely. Ensure you remove the skin completely. Cut into tiny pieces and give your baby.

3. Can my Baby Digest Grapefruit?

Yes, they can. Grapefruit can in fact help with constipation. They contain a lot of water and helps digest foods.

4. When Can I Give my Baby Grapefruit?

You can start when you start other fruits. Start in small Quantities. Then slowly increase.

5. Can Grapefruit Benefit my Baby?

Yes, it can. It is high in many nutrients and a very rich source of vitamin C. It can protect your child’s liver too.