WHY SHOULD CHIRLDREN CONSUME FRUITS?
Children are likely to develop a sweet tooth and seek foods like chocolate, candies, and sugary beverages. So, those who want to indulge in desserts, fruits offer a healthy option.
Fruits supplies nutrients including vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre, and phytonutrients, which keep children healthy and prevent chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and some types of cancer.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE:
- Fruits include no cholesterol, little fat, and few calories. So, they do not compromise your child’s health.
- Fruits contain a lot of fibre, which helps your child’s intestinal system stay healthy.
- Fruits are great sources of vitamins and minerals. Fruits are a great way to increase your child’s intake of potassium. Banana, Oranges, Melons and cantaloupe, and other fruits can be added to your child’s diet.
ENERGY:
Natural sugars such as fructose and glucose can be found in fruits. Both of these sugars are concentrated energy sources and can be used as a healthy alternative to processed foods with a high sugar content, such as sweets, colas, and cakes. As a result, obesity can be prevented in children in the long run.
BOOSTS IMMUNITY:
Gut microbiota is improved when fruits are regularly consumed in the appropriate proportions. By keeping the immune system strong, a healthy gut flora enhances overall health. Additionally, fruits supply necessary vitamins, minerals, and bioactive chemicals that are also important for sustaining immunity.
BONE HEALTH AND GROWTH:
Fruit aids in acquiring potassium. Fruits are a great source of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may also support bone health.
| TYPE OF FRUIT | FRUITS LIST | BENEFITS |
| Yellow and orange fruits | Orange, grapefruit, banana,mango, peaches, pineapple, Persimmons, Papaya, starfruit, Nectarines | Rich in beta carotene and good for the eyes of child |
| Red fruits | Tomato, apple, cranberry, strawberries, watermelon, plums | Sources of powerful antioxidants and vitamins. Good for heart health |
| Green coloured fruits | Green apple, guava, kiwi, pear, grapes, melon, lime, custard | Rich in calcium. Supports bone health and growth. |
| Seasonal fruits | Jackfruits, mango, lychee, cherry, pineapple, strawberry. | High in nutritional value because they are fresher and consumed closer to the harvesting period |
HOW TO ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO EAT FRUITS?
- Make the produce easily accessible. Keep clean apples, bananas, and other fruit readily available. Everything you give your child should be presented elegantly because appearance is crucial.
- Prepare more desserts with fruits in them. In your three meals, try to incorporate some fruits . Increase the amount of fruits you use in meals by being more creative.
- Let your child choose his favourite fruits when you take him to fruit shops. Give the whole fruit instead of the fruit juice. Rather than unhealthy snacks, give your child fruit. Create a little fruit garden because children will enjoy eating what they have grown.
- Put a variety of hues on your child’s plate to make eating fruits enjoyable. Take your kids along while you prepare different meals.
- Whenever your child tries to consume a new fruit , praise him for his efforts so that they tend to eat more.
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