Watermelons are enjoyed by one and all, especially kids during the hot and humid summer months of India where the scorching heat might leave you dehydrated.
Watermelon would be that one replenishing fruit that not only rehydrates you, but also has a number of other health benefits, especially for toddlers and babies. Now, all mothers know that it could be a tough task feeding toddlers and watermelon could be that one fruit that your child eats and also enjoys!
Nutrition Facts
Containing 92 percent water, it would not only keep your child hydrated in the summer, but has a number of other health benefits as well. It is also packed with numerous vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for toddlers and kids that are highly active. Here’s what 100 gm watermelon contains
- 30 calories
- 1 gm sodium
- 112 mg potassium (3%)
- 8 gm carbohydrates (2 %)
- 4 g dietary fibre (1 %)
- 6 g sugar (3%)
- .6 gm protein (2%)
- 11 per cent Vitamin A
- 13 per cent Vitamin C
- 1 per cent iron
Health benefits of watermelons for kids
#1. Boosts the immunity
Packed with Vitamin C, watermelons help boost your child's immunity, which is essential for fighting infections and illnesses. If your child is prone to falling down and hurting his knees and legs in the process, watermelon would help hasten the healing process.
#2. Improves Digestion
The fibre content in watermelons rev up the digestion and its water content helps softening the stools ruling out constipation, which could be a common health issue in toddlers.
#3. Good for the eyes
Rich in Vitamin A and beta-carotene, watermelons also improve your child’s eyesight and preventsany age-related eye disorders.
Continue reading to know more about the amazing health benefits of watermelons for kids!
#4. Packed with healthy antioxidants
Watermelons are packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that has anti0-cancer benefits and also helps prevent asthma attacks. It also promotes cardiovascular health as it improves the blood flow and regulates the blood pressure. However, always remember, the riper the watermelon, the higher it is in lycopene.
#5. Good for the bones
Rich in potassium and calcium, important minerals that are crucial for bone health, watermelons would help strengthen your child's ever growing bones and joints. Potassium also helps retain calcium in the body.
#6. Strengthens the nerves and muscles
Potassium is a natural electrolyte, which helps regulate the nerve and muscle functions of the body. Another mineral present in it is magnesium, which is also helpful in building muscle and nerve function in kids.
#7. Rich in the Vitamin B complex
Another important mineral complex that watermelons have is the Vitamin B complex that is essential for the healthy growth and development of your child. B Vitamins also help in producing red blood cell, development of the nervous system and strengthen the immune system.
# 8. Keeps your child hydrated
Keeping your child hydrated is very important in the summer as the heat can drain your child and also rob his body off the essential nutrients, especially electrolytes. Watermelon would not only rehydrate your child's body, but also provide him with the necessary electrolytes such as sodium and potassium.
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