Rich in vitamin C, grapefruits offer your child a number of health benefits. Starting from improving immunity and fighting off infections, grapefruits can also help prevent constipation. Grapefruits are also very rich in minerals and Vitamin A and that aids in promoting overall growth and development of your child. Grapefruits are also known for their ability of absorbing unhealthy fat, improving your child’s eyesight and also fighting cancer. Overall this fruit can easily be considered as a super-food for your little one.

Giving Grapefruit to Your Child:

The main advantage of grapefruit is that it can be offered to your child in a number of ways. This succulent fruit is abundant in the southern part of the United States. You can slice the grapefruits and remove the skin and offer it to your child as a form of a fruit salad. However, make sure that you are not giving your little one more than two slices of the fruit. You can always add a hint of sugar to cut down on the acidity. But if your child refuses to eat it in its solid form then you can always blend it into juice. Add enough of sugar and honey so that the acid gets balanced out. Then pour it into some kind of sipper and allow your child to enjoy the healthy juice. The fruits are very acidic and juicy and you should limit the intake on a weekly basis.

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Benefits of Grapefruits

Grapefruits are very beneficial for your child. It can help him/her in a number of ways. There are different varieties of grapefruits. The red variety is sweeter than the yellow one. That is why it is preferred more.

Boosts Immunity

Grapefruits are rich in vitamin C. That boosts the immunity of your child. It protects his/her body from various infections. Regular intake of grapefruits will ensure less suffering from common cold and flu.

Natural Detoxifier

Pink grapefruits are rich in antioxidants. They spread out free radicals in your child’s body. It helps them to flush out harmful toxins from their bodies. This will keep your child healthy and help him/her to protect the organs.

Cancer Fighting Ability

Grapefruits have the ability to protect your child from cancer. Research conducted at the University of Portsmouth has evaluated that grapefruits have the potential to fight off the pathways causing tumor formation.

Protects Eyesight

Grapefruit is rich in Vitamin A and other minerals which will help keep your child’s eyes healthy. If your child is exposed to too much multimedia then his/her eyes need proper nourishment. Grapefruit offers that nourishment to your child.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Grapefruits have the potential to cure pain and diseases in your child. The anti-inflammatory property of grapefruit cures any injury or disease faster. The European Journal of Pain has published studies about how the certain elements found in grapefruits help in the cure of injuries and diseases much faster.

Strengthens Bone

The lycopene present in grapefruits have the potential to strengthen your child’s bone. Not only just vitamin K and calcium help in this process. But the element present in grapefruits has enough potential to develop good amount of bone fiber and tissues in your child.

Cleanse & Protects the Liver

Grapefruits also help clean your child’s liver. It excretes the toxic elements from your child’s liver and keeps it healthy. Also if your child is exposed to the risk of fatty liver, then also grapefruits are of great use. Grapefruits contain fair amount of naringenin. This element helps the fat surrounding your child’s liver to melt.

Improves Respiratory Health

The vitamin C present grapefruits help improve your child’s overall respiratory health. Problems like asthma or bronchitis can be cured with the help of grapefruits. If your child constantly suffers from runny nose or chronic cough, then grapefruits can offer a good solution. Many children suffer from severe shortness of breath. In those cases grapefruits can be a natural remedy.

Good for Skin

The vitamin A and C present in grapefruit are very good for your child’s skin. The anti-oxidants and the vitamins protect your child’s skin from the environmental hazards and pollutants. Also at the same time the amino acid present in the grapefruit helps keep your child’s skin soft. At the same time the potassium present in the fruit will protect your child’s skin from the harmful UV rays.

Boosts Hair Growth

The vitamin C present in the grapefruits also promotes strong hair growth in your kid. The anti-oxidants together with the vitamins contribute well to the formation of the hair tissues and hair follicles in your child.

It can also fight off the bacteria present in your child’s scalp which can cause certain amount of hair fall. Grapefruits boost the circulation of blood in your child’s scalp and help keep it healthy and nourished.

Precautions and Considerations

Grapefruits are very beneficial for your child. However, you must keep certain things in mind before feeding him/her with grapefruits on a regular basis.

• You should always consult with your doctor before starting with grapefruit. It is mostly due to the high acid and fiber content of the fruit.
• If there is a history of citric allergy in your family, then it is better to avoid giving grapefruit to your child. It might cause adverse effect.
• You must check whether or not your baby has any allergic reaction to grapefruits. You must stop immediately if he/she shows any signs of intolerance. There are chances that your child might suffer from hives, abdominal pain or even severe diarrhea.
• You should make a puree or a juice, when you are introducing grapefruit for the first time to your child. This will make it easier for him/her to digest the fruit.
• You must limit the intake of grapefruit because too much consumption can lead to intestinal problem later in his/her life. You can consult your doctor about the exact amount to be given on a regular basis.
• Chop down the grapefruit into smaller pieces so that your child does not choke on it.
• Add sugar or honey to the grapefruit or the juice in order to neutralize the acidic reaction.

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