Maybe many parents are reluctant to give pomegranates to their children because this fruit consists of many seeds and is difficult to eat. In fact, the benefits of pomegranate for children are quite diverse, Bun. Not only healthy and nutritious, this fruit also has a sour, sweet, and refreshing taste, which your little one might like.
Pomegranate or Punica granatum rich in nutrients. In addition, this fruit also stores a lot of water in the seeds or what is called aril. The nutrients contained in pomegranates include protein, carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, folate, and choline.
Not only that, this fruit is also very good for the health and development of children because it contains antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin K.
List of Benefits of Pomegranate for Children
Pomegranate is suitable as a healthy snack for children. Besides being delicious eaten directly, pomegranates can be processed into fresh pomegranate juice, as a mixture of rujak or fruit salad, and also delicious when sprinkled into a bowl. oatmeal for children's breakfast.
Here are the benefits of pomegranate for children that you need to know:
1. Increase children's immune system
Pomegranate is a good source of antioxidants, folate, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E to increase children's immune system. you know. The nutritional content is important to keep your little one's condition fit and stronger against various germs and viruses, including the Corona virus that causes COVID-19.
In addition, pomegranate also has antibacterial and antiviral properties. This effect is certainly good for reducing the risk of your little one having an infection.
2. Supports muscle health
In 100 grams of pomegranate, contained at least as much as 235 milligrams of potassium. This mineral plays an important role in supporting the health of children's muscles. In addition to potassium, this fruit also contains calcium, protein, and phosphorus.
Not only good for muscle health, these three ingredients are also very good in supporting healthy bones and teeth, and making your little one's body stay strong in carrying out their daily activities.
3. Maintain heart function and health
Several studies have shown that consumption of pomegranate appears to have benefits in maintaining heart health. This is thanks to the content of a number of nutrients, such as fiber, antioxidants, as well as vitamin C, and potassium which are good for lowering bad cholesterol levels and controlling blood pressure.
By consuming pomegranates and a variety of other healthy foods, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains, children will be at lower risk for heart disease and hypertension.
4. Inhibit the growth of cancer cells
Compared to green tea and red wine, pomegranate contains almost 3 times more antioxidants. Besides functioning to counteract the effects of free radicals, this content is also efficacious in protecting children's body cells from damage and preventing the growth of cancer cells.
5. Prevents dehydration
One of the benefits of pomegranate for children that is equally important is to prevent and overcome dehydration. This occurs when the child lacks body fluid intake, for example due to diarrhea, lack of food and drink, high fever, or vomiting a lot.
Pomegranate is a fruit that contains lots of water and electrolytes, such as potassium, magnesium, and sodium. Therefore, this fruit is good to give to children to meet their body's fluid needs.
The benefits of pomegranate for children are indeed abundant. Therefore, from now on, you don't need to hesitate to include this fruit in your little one's daily menu, okay?
So that your little one can feel the benefits, there are some tips in choosing pomegranates, Bun, namely choose pomegranates in a fresh state and there are no blemishes on the skin. In addition, make sure the pomegranate you choose is ripe, OK? Because the water and nutrient content in ripe pomegranates is higher and healthier.
Before giving it to your little one, make sure the mother has washed the pomegranate, split it into 2 parts, and removed all the seeds so that she is easy to eat.
Remember, giving pomegranates to children must be adjusted according to their age, Bun. In toddlers who are just learning to eat solid food, pomegranate seeds can make them choke when consumed directly.
If you still have questions about the benefits of pomegranate for children or want to know other foods that are suitable to be combined with pomegranate to meet the nutritional needs of your little one, you can consult a doctor.
