The benefits of dates for children are unquestionable. This fruit, which is identical to the fasting month, contains a variety of important nutrients that can support the health and growth process of your little one. Come on, Bun, we discuss one by one what are the benefits of dates for children.
In addition to having a sweet taste, there are many nutrients contained in dates, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, zinc, folate, choline, as well as vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin K. This fruit is also rich in antioxidants, such as lutein, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
A series of benefits of dates for children
Giving dates to children can be done since he is 6 months old or has received complementary foods (MPASI). However, the texture and cut of the dates given to your little one must be adjusted to his age, yes, Bun, so that he does not have difficulty chewing or swallowing them.
Here are the various benefits of dates for children that are important for you to know:
1. Prevent infection
Dates contain abundant antioxidants. This substance plays a role in counteracting the effects of free radicals that can cause various types of diseases. Thanks to the antioxidants, vitamin A, folate, and protein in them, dates are also good for keeping a child's immune system strong, so he or she gets sick less often.
In addition, dates contain anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial compounds so that they can protect children from various infections.
2. Prevent and treat constipation
The fiber and water in dates are very good for the health of the digestive system of children. In addition, these two ingredients can launch bowel movements, help absorb food, and make stools softer and easier to expel, so they are good for preventing and helping to overcome constipation in children.
3. Supports brain function and development
In order for a child's brain development to run well, he needs a variety of nutritional intake, such as protein, antioxidants, carbohydrates, choline, vitamins, and minerals. These various nutrients are found in various healthy foods, one of which is dates.
However, in addition to consuming dates, so that your little one has a strong and intelligent memory, Mother is also recommended to provide other nutritious foods, such as green leafy vegetables, eggs, fish, fruits, milk, and nuts.
4. Keep blood sugar levels stable
Although it has a sweet taste and contains a fairly high sugar content, dates contain antioxidants and fiber which are good for controlling blood sugar. In addition, dates are also classified as fruits with a low glycemic index, so they do not quickly increase blood sugar levels.
If consumed in moderate amounts, dates are useful for preventing a child's blood sugar from rising and keeping it stable. Thus, your little one can be protected from diabetes.
5. Maintain the strength and health of bones and teeth
These benefits are due to the content of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus in dates.
Getting an adequate intake of minerals is not only good for the health of children's bones and teeth, but also plays a major role in the process of making hormones, maintaining a normal heart rate, and smoothing the function of the child's nerves and brain.
6. Increase energy
In 100 grams of dates, there are about 250-280 calories. This fruit also contains lots of carbohydrates, sugar, and protein which are good for providing energy intake to the child's body.
With enough energy, your little one will remain active and enthusiastic in carrying out their daily activities and be more enthusiastic about learning. Adequate intake of energy and nutrients is also important to support the growth process.
Based on the explanation above, there are many benefits of dates for children, right, Bun. Therefore, from now on you can give this fruit as a healthy snack for your child. Besides being delicious eaten directly, dates can also be processed into juice drinks or drinks smoothies, various cakes and puddings.
Before giving dates to your little one, make sure the mother has washed this fruit, yes. Next, remove the date seeds to prevent the child from choking. In addition to dates, Mother can also provide various other types of fruit in the Little One's daily menu.
If you still have questions about the benefits of dates for your child or tips on providing healthy food for them, you can ask your doctor directly.
