
Many vegetables - such as kale, spinach, and even cauliflower - can be blended into a sweet-tasting smoothie that your child will love. Smoothies can be especially helpful for parents dealing with picky eaters. While some premade smoothies are loaded with sugar, homemade smoothies - as long as they’re rich in nutritious ingredients - make excellent choices for children. Smoothies are a scrumptious way to sneak fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods into your child’s diet. Summary Coconut water is rich in nutrients and electrolytes, making it an excellent choice for helping children rehydrate after sickness or physical activity. Plain, unsweetened coconut water is always the best choice for children. However, it’s important to carefully read the label when purchasing coconut water, as some brands contain added sugars and artificial flavors. This makes coconut water an excellent hydration alternative to sugary sports drinks for active children ( 6).Ĭoconut water is also beneficial when your child is sick, especially if they need to rehydrate after a bout of diarrhea or vomiting. It also contains electrolytes - such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium - which are lost through sweat during exercise. Summary Water is essential to your child’s health and should make up the majority of their fluid intake.Īlthough coconut water does contain calories and sugar, it makes a healthier choice than other beverages like soda and sports drinks.Ĭoconut water provides a good amount of several nutrients, including vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium - all of which are important for children ( 5). What’s more, drinking enough water is linked to healthy body weight, reduced risk of dental cavities, and improved brain function in children ( 3).Īdditionally, dehydration can negatively impact your child’s health in many ways, potentially reducing brain function, causing constipation, and leading to fatigue ( 4). This can be especially important if you have a picky eater.
KID JUICES FULL
Unlike many other drinks, water won’t provide liquid calories, making it less likely that your child will feel full and refuse solid food. In fact, in relation to body weight, children have greater water requirements than adults due to their rapidly growing body and higher metabolic rate ( 2). This is because water is critical to health and necessary for countless vital processes in your child’s body, including temperature regulation and organ function ( 1). When your child tells you they’re thirsty, you should always offer water first.
