Orange is one of the best fruits which can provide essential nutrients to kids. So, it is essential to include it in their diet. Let us take a look at the health benefits of oranges for kids.Orange is one of the best loved fruits of the world. Sweet oranges are loved by many people but few know of the immense health benefits they provide especially to kids. Here is a list of all the good things that oranges can do for your kid and the reason as to why you should definitely include them in their diet.
Rich Nutrient Supply
Oranges are a great source of many types of nutrients, minerals and vitamins. It has been scientifically proven that the high amount of vitamin C present in oranges is needed for the development of the
immune system of babies. Oranges are specially recommended for the first year of development of the baby. Infants who are born with developmental issues also respond well to orange juice.
Curing and Preventing Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia of indigestion is one of the commonest issues that small children face. The digestion system of small kids and infants is underdeveloped so they are unable to process many types of foods. The nutritive value present in oranges is great for stimulating the digestive system. Studies have shown that kids who are fed oranges since an early age have more robust digestive system and contain process food groups better.
Preventing Constipation
Kids are generally not given much of dietary fibre and this is why they are frequently seen to suffer from constipation. Infants who are fed with high fibre
fruits like oranges can manage their constipation issues much better. The fibre in orange is soft and can push things up in the digestive tract without putting too much pressure on it. Orange consumption has been found to be particularly useful in reducing the occurrence of constipation in kids below the age 5.
Prevention of Rickets
Rickets is a medical condition that develops in childhood and primary symptoms involve weakened and deformed bones. The bones are softened and develop peculiar shapes. These deformities arise due to low amount of
calcium and phosphorus in the body. Orange being a great source of both calcium and phosphorus are known to be one of the best natural preventive medicines for the development of rickets. Feeding infants with spoons of orange juice can reduce occurrence of rickets by 40%.
Preventing Common Cold
Kids and small children have a habit of falling sick from common cold. Orange extracts cured with a sprinkling of honey and salt is particularly effective for curing common cold and flu. Infants and kids who suffer frequently from cold and cough are medically prescribed Vitamin C supplements. Incidentally Oranges are one of the best natural reservoirs of Vitamin C.
Treatment of Mumps
Mumps is a kind of viral disease that spreads contagiously. This disease of the lymphatic glands and throat is especially prevalent in children. Kids between the age of 5 and 15 are very vulnerable to this disease. One of the medically prescribed treatments for mumps and parotid (similar type of disease) is orange juice. Orange juice tempered with ginger and diluted with water is given as a medicine for mumps and parotids.
Smart Carbohydrate Source
Like most other fruits oranges have simple chain sugars in them but the glycemic index of Orange is quite low at 40. This basically means that unless a lot of oranges are not consumed in one shot the blood sugar level will not be spiked and yet the body will feel rejuvenated and energetic. Even
overweight children can be fed oranges without fear of weight gain.
Now that you know about the many
health benefits of delicious oranges do make sure that you include a healthy dose of this delicious fruit in your children’s diet plan.
How to include oranges in the diet of kids? Are packaged orange juices safe for kids? Which essential nutrients can kids gain by consuming oranges? Discuss here.