Besides being able to quench thirst, coconut water is also believed to have a myriad of health benefits. However, is coconut water safe when given to children? Find out the answer here, come on, Bun.
Coconut water that we usually consume generally comes from coconuts that are around 6-7 months old. This water contains a number of important nutrients for the body, such as carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamin C, potassium, manganese, magnesium, calcium, iron, and phosphorus. In addition, coconut water also contains a lot of sugar, so it tastes sweet and is liked by many people.
Coconut water can be given to children
Just like adults, there is actually no prohibition for children to enjoy the delicious coconut water. Occasionally give coconut water to the baby, it's okay, how come, Bun. However, he must be over 6 months old or have received solid food.
The reason is because from birth until the age of 6 months, children can only consume breast milk or formula milk. In fact, water at this age is still prohibited for him.
Coconut water has a sweet taste and is sure to be liked by most children. So, coconut water can be a good alternative to soft drinks or sugary drinks that can interfere with their health. Plus, this water also contains many benefits for children.
Benefits of Coconut Water for Children
There are many benefits that children can get from consuming coconut water, including:
Prevent dehydration
Coconut water is ideal to drink to prevent dehydration in children, especially when he has diarrhea. Coconut water is also believed to be able to restore electrolytes that are lost after children exercise or do moderately strenuous activities, which cause them to sweat a lot.
Helps meet nutritional needs
As described above, coconut water contains a variety of essential minerals and nutrients needed by the child's body. So, drinking coconut water can help meet their daily nutritional needs.
However, make sure your little one also gets nutrients from other healthy food and drink sources, yes, Bun.
Ward off the dangers of exposure to free radicals
Without realizing it, your little one can be exposed to free radicals every day from cigarette smoke, vehicle fumes, smoke from the kitchen, to food contaminated with pesticides. The presence of these free radicals can damage the cells of the child's body and trigger serious diseases later in life.
Coconut water is thought to contain antioxidants that can protect children from the effects of free radicals. However, this benefit still needs to be investigated further.
By knowing the information above, now you don't have to hesitate to give coconut water to your child, OK? This water is very suitable to be consumed during the day, when the sun is shining very hot.
However, it is better for you to only give pure coconut water that has just been picked from the tree. If you leave it for too long after picking, coconut water is at risk of being contaminated with germs and reducing its nutritional content.
Also, avoid giving coconut water that contains added sugar. Excess sugar consumption in children can cause him to become obese. This condition will certainly affect his health until his old age.
Giving coconut water to children is considered safe. However, if after drinking coconut water an allergic reaction occurs, such as nausea, vomiting, itching, rash, or loss of consciousness, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
