Written by Editorial Team
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The presence of lycopene strengthens the bones of the child.
The child’s liver gets cleaned by the consumption of grapefruit. It expels the toxic agents from the liver making it healthier.
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.
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.
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.
Grapefruit is rich in dietary fibers. Therefore, giving baby grapefruit is an excellent means to combat constipation.
Here are three ways of feeding grapefruit for babies:
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.
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.
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.
There are some side effects associated with grapefruit juice and grapefruit for babies.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Grapefruits are citrus fruits. They do have acidity. Ensure your baby does not have these on an empty stomach.
No, it’s highly unlikely. Ensure you remove the skin completely. Cut into tiny pieces and give your baby.
Yes, they can. Grapefruit can in fact help with constipation. They contain a lot of water and helps digest foods.
You can start when you start other fruits. Start in small Quantities. Then slowly increase.
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.
Read Also: Grapes for Babies – Nutritional Value And Benefits
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