Pomelo is a gold mine of vitamins for your child. This citrus fruit is rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and the B vitamins. It is also a good source of folic acid. Pomelos also contain a good amount of potassium which good for your baby’s heart health. Dietary fiber present in the fruit also helps to regulate your child’s bowel movements and promotes a healthy digestive system. Pomelo also helps your child fight urinary tract infections through its rich Vitamin C content.

When can I introduce Pomelo in my child’s diet

Pomelo is a large citrus fruit that is widely grown in many eastern countries such as Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Fiji, and many others. It is considered by many to be the ancient ancestor of the grape fruit. Pomelo has a milder and sweeter taste than grape fruit with a thick, green rind and pink, white, or yellow flesh.

Since pomelo is a citrus fruit it is very acidic just like oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines. In babies it is prone to cause stomach upset and diarrhea. It is recommended to wait till your baby is at least 12 months old before introducing pomelo in his or her diet. Before this time your baby’s digestive system is not developed enough to withstand the acid in pomelo.

Since citrus fruits can tend to cause allergies or food-sensitivity reactions, such as a diaper rash, it is best to introduce pomelos to your child gradually and in small amounts. Watch carefully for symptoms such as hives, wheezing or rashes. If any of the reactions are visible in your baby then avoid giving pomelo to him or her in any form.

For children between 1-6 years of age no more than 4 to 6 ounces of pomelo juice is to be given. Also remember to give the juice to your baby in a cup rather than a bottle to discourage prolonged sipping. Sugar in the pomelo juice can easily pool around your babies teeth causing them to decay. To dilute the acid found in the pomelo juice it is recommended to add water. For every three parts of juice you should ideally add one part of water. This also helps to control the overall consumption of pomelo juice by your child and helps reduce chance of both obesity and malnourishment.

Health Benefits of Pomelo for your baby

Pomelo is one of the healthiest of the tropical fruits that you can ideally include in your child’s diet. It has a sweet and tart flavor and is very juicy. It can be given to your baby after he or she is at least a year old as a tasty and healthy alternative to sugary snacks for gaining quick energy. Pomelos are a storehouse of health benefits for your baby. Let us see what they are.

Faster Healing of Wounds

The vitamin c found in pomelos is rich in cofactor enzymes which are active in the development of collagen, the protein that enables your baby’s skin to heal faster. Wound healing is particularly important to preserve the healthy body state of your little one.

Healthy Gums and Teeth for your baby

Pomelo fruit is effective in fighting signs of bleeding gums in your child. The collagen found in abundance in pomelo fruit is crucial in creating healthy and balanced gums and teeth. Pomelo is also rich in Vitamin C which is essential in treating bleeding gums and loose teeth in your child.

Prevention of anemia and related complications

Long term anemia in kids can lead to increased susceptibility to bacterial infections as well as learning difficulties. Children are extremely prone to being anemic and it is very important to make sure that your kid has sufficient hemoglobin level to prevent anemia related complications such as exhaustion, weakness, fatigue, paleness, lack of breath, and may even cause heart palpitations. Vitamin C found in pomelo fruit has been demonstrated to improve the assimilation of iron in your child’s body. In case your child takes iron supplements it is advisable to help the iron absorption by including pomelo juice in his or her diet.

Improves Immunity

Vitamin C present in pomelon is probably the nutrients which usually perform an essential part in revitalizing the act of antibodies as well as immune cells which usually safeguard your toddler’s body from intrusion of viruses and bacteria that may cause respiratory difficulties. A strong immunity also helps your child fight colds and flu better.

Good for healthy and strong head of hair

Pomelo is a storehouse of hair friendly nutrients like zinc, Vitamins A, B1, and C which are extremely beneficial in helping your baby grow a healthy head of hair. It also contains minerals like calcium, sulfur, iron, and zinc which are essential in promoting hair growth in your child.

Excellent for Digestion and healthy bowel movement

The pomelo fruit is rich in dietary fiber which is required to preserve normal bowel movement in your baby. Regular consumption of the fruit will also help in reducing chances of your baby getting constipation. Consumption of fiber helps your baby feel full and also helps to keep his or bowels healthy.

Helps to treat childhood obesity

In this day of processed food it is very easy for your child to become obese. Obesity is a leading cause for many complications later on in your child’s life including heart diseases and high levels of cholesterol. Consumption of pomelo will provide your child dietary fiber which makes him or her feel fuller for longer. This eliminates the need for them to snack on unhealthy sugary and processed foods which in turn helps reduce chances of childhood obesity.

Storage and Precautions of Pomelo for Kids

We can agree that there are many health benefits of the pomelo fruit from which your baby can benefit greatly. When buying pomelo make sure that it is firm and heavy and avoid ones that appear dull-skinned and soft. Pomelos can be easily stored in the fruits and vegetable section of the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. You can also freeze the juice and zest of the pomelo. You can give your child pomelo fruit as it is or juice mixed with other citrus fruits for enhanced flavor.

When offering pomelo to your child be careful to remove all the seeds and peel away the rind and membrane as they are difficult for your baby to chew and may cause your toddler to choke or gag. Until your baby is at least 2 years old and can chew his food well, always cut citrus fruits into bite-size pieces. Larger pieces may seem soft and easy to chew, but they’re slippery and can inadvertently slide down your child’s throat and cause choking.

Children who are allergic to pomelos and citrus fruits should not be given the fruit for its health benefits because severe allergic reactions can occur. Eating too many pomelos can cause side effects such as dizziness, breathing difficulties and upset stomach. In case your baby is on any medication it is best to consult your child’s doctor to make sure if it is safe for your baby because pomelos do interact with certain medications and health conditions.