Top 5 Fruits To Add To Your Toddler’s Winter Diet

Whether it’s Summer or Winter, when you are a parent, your focus is on making sure that your child eats well irrespective of the changing seasons. As there is a drop in the temperature, you may also notice a change in your little one’s eating habits. The cold may lower your child’s appetite, making it challenging to ensure that they are not missing out on any important nutrients. If you are dealing with the same, here is a list of the top 5 fruits that you need to add to your toddler’s diet to make sure they are getting well-balanced meals throughout winter. 

Pineapple

Pineapple is often referred to as the fun tropical fruit. Despite being low in calories, pineapples are loaded with nutrients. 1 cup of pineapple, which is roughly around 165 gms, contains just 82.5 kcal. Pineapples are a great source of Vitamin C which boosts your child’s immune function and helps their body to absorb iron from the food they eat. A 9-day study conducted in 2014 has shown that children who consumed pineapple were less likely to develop viral and bacterial infections. The fruit is rich in magnesium and folate. The former is known to support gut health and boost metabolism, whereas the latter supports their growth. The antioxidants present in pineapple help to ward off the risks of various diseases and illnesses. 

(Note: Due to its acidic nature, eating pineapple may cause your child to develop a rash. It is advised to feed them a small portion first to make sure it suits them)

Orange 

Their phenomenal nutritional constitution makes Oranges a great choice for your child’s winter platter. They are, hands-down, one of the best-known sources of Vitamin C, which is known to boost their immunity and prevent the risks of ear infections, a very common problem seen in kids during winter. Vitamin C also helps in the absorption of iron from food, making it a wonderful choice for kids with low hemoglobin counts. Oranges also work as a natural remedy for constipation as they have very high amounts of dietary fiber. Merely 100 gms of oranges contain 2.4 gms of fiber. It doesn’t stop here, the fruit is a powerhouse of essential nutrients like zinc, magnesium, manganese, copper, and calcium, all of which are known to alleviate the symptoms of rickets. 

(Fun Fact: India ranks 9th among the list of countries producing the largest number of oranges in the World) 

Pear 

What makes pears a great choice for toddlers is the fact that they contain zero sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fats. The nutritional benefits, on the other hand, are quite impressive. Its skin is rich in polyphenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, which are all beneficial for the baby, which means that you don’t even need to peel off the skin. A study by the National Cancer Institute has shown that the fruit can alleviate the risks of stroke hypertension and even cancer in babies, as well as adults. Pears come in different colours because of the specific plant compounds present in them. For instance, if the pear has a red hue, it indicates the presence of anthocyanins, which protect against heart diseases and cancer.

(Did You Know: There are more than 3000 varieties of pears found across the globe)

Pomegranate 

The medicinal benefits of pomegranates have been known for ages and its usage in treating illnesses dates back to the ancient Roman, Persian, and Indian civilizations. Eating the fruit may seem a little challenging but it is completely worth it. Pomegranates are known to treat inflammation as they contain anti-inflammatory biochemicals and enzymes. If your child is suffering from digestive problems like dysentery and diarrhoea, pomegranates may come in handy. In fact, the fruit is also good for your toddler’s teeth and can protect them against conditions like gingivitis. Giving the fruit to your child can also promote the well-being of their liver by reducing oxidative stress. Last but not least, pomegranates help to reduce body pain and muscle aches. 

(Facts: Pomegranates belong to the berry family)

Kiwi 

Being high in nutrition and low in calories is what makes kiwi a good option for toddlers. Despite being so small in size, they are packed with a wide range of nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and Vitamins (A, E, and K). Kiwis support your child’s gut health as it is loaded with prebiotics. The fruit is beneficial for your baby’s skin owing to its high vitamin C content. You can kiwi to your child if they are feeling constipated, however, eating the fruit in excess may lead to loose bowel movement. 

Did you know about these nutritional benefits? Do let us know in the comments.