There are things to consider when giving fruit to babies in winter
1. No more than three types of fruit per day
Although fruit is good, it should be given to babies in moderation. Do not give them more than three types of fruit per day, and control the portion size. This is because some fruits are very high in sugar, and eating too much can reduce a baby's appetite, affect their digestive function, and interfere with the intake of other nutrients.
2. Eat fruit one hour before or after a meal
Whether before or after a meal, fruit should be given to the baby at least an hour apart from their main meal. The period after a nap is also suitable for eating fruit. A baby's stomach capacity is still relatively small. Eating fruit right before a meal will take up space and affect the intake of nutrients from the main meal. Eating fruit immediately after a meal can cause its simple sugars to get stuck in the stomach, easily leading to bloating and possibly constipation.
3. Warm it up before eating
For babies with weaker digestive systems, it's best to warm the fruit before giving it to them in the winter. This is to prevent the cold fruit from irritating the gastrointestinal tract and causing indigestion. You can also squeeze the fruit into juice and warm it up for the baby to drink.
Which fruits are suitable for babies in winter?
The King of All Fruits — Pear
Pears are also known as "kuai guo" (quick fruit) or "yu ru" (jade milk). Because they are fresh, tender, and juicy, they are called "natural mineral water." They have the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting fluid production and moistening dryness, and clearing the heart and reducing fire. They are very effective for moisturizing the lungs, bronchi, and upper respiratory tract, and can also aid digestion and stimulate appetite.
The Doctor's First Medicine — Apple
Apples are also known as "ping po." They are sweet and cool in nature, and have the functions of strengthening the spleen, nourishing the stomach yin, promoting fluid production and quenching thirst, and moistening the lungs and pleasing the mind. They are known as the health guardian of the cardiovascular system. Eating them can improve the function of the respiratory system and lungs. In addition, smelling the fresh scent of an apple during a busy workday can refresh the mind and relieve stress!
Sweet and Delicious — Persimmon
Persimmons are sweet and astringent, and cold in nature. Their vitamin and sugar content are one to two times higher than that of ordinary fruits. They can nourish the lungs and protect the stomach, clear dryness and heat, and regular consumption can help with tonifying deficiency, stopping coughs, benefiting the intestines, and reducing heat. Eating persimmons on an empty stomach can easily lead to "stomach persimmon stone," so it's best to eat them after a meal and avoid eating the skin.
The Fine Fruit of the West — Pomegranate
Pomegranates were originally a specialty of the Western Regions and were introduced to the Central Plains during the Han Dynasty. Pomegranates are sweet, sour, astringent, and warm in nature. They can effectively act as an antioxidant, reduce oxidized cholesterol deposits in the body, and delay aging. They are also very effective for relieving a dry throat and thirst.
The King of Dry Fruits — Chestnut
Chestnuts are sweet and warm in nature, and affect the spleen, stomach, and kidney meridians. They can nourish the stomach, strengthen the spleen, tonify the kidneys, strengthen the lower back, and benefit the bones, promote blood circulation, stop bleeding, and reduce swelling. Chestnuts are also rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, which can help prevent osteoporosis and high blood pressure.
The King of Vitamin C — Kiwi
Kiwis are named after the猕猴 (macaque) that loves them. Their vitamin C content is extremely high. In addition, this fruit contains serum-promoting factors that can help stabilize our mood and calm our nerves. The rich dietary fiber can promote heart health and aid digestion.
The Fruit of Paradise — Olive
This is how Turks praise olives. The flesh of olives is rich in calcium and is very beneficial to the human body when eaten fresh. Olives are sweet, sour, and neutral in nature, and can clear heat and detoxify, eliminate food stagnation and resolve phlegm, and moisten the lungs and throat.
Sweet and Sour with a Hint of Bitterness — Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a typical southern fruit, sweet and sour with a hint of bitterness. It is juicy and contains a large amount of vitamin C. The natural pectin it contains can lower cholesterol levels and help with the absorption of calcium and iron. It can also harmonize the stomach, resolve stagnation, and promote fluid production to quench thirst.
The Longevity Food — Hawthorn
Hawthorn is what we often call "shan li hong." Hawthorn is rich in flavonoids and a large amount of vitamins, which can effectively block the formation of free radicals and enhance the body's immunity. Hawthorn is sweet, sour, and slightly warm, and is a good remedy for stimulating the appetite, aiding digestion, and enhancing digestive function.
The Vitamin Pill — Jujube
Fresh jujubes are rich in vitamins, especially a large amount of vitamin C, which can promote the conversion of excess cholesterol in the body into bile acids.