When and How to Give Bananas

Bananas are a highly nutritious energy packed fruit. Bananas contain manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, fibre, potassium, iron, vitamin A, biotin, and other nutrients. It is a low fat food. Glucose, fructose, and sucrose are the natural sugars present in bananas which boosts energy. Your child can be highly benefited from this fruit. Bananas are very sweet and creamy fruit and they are available throughout the year. As they ripe, the bananas become sweeter and softer.


5 Health Benefits of Bananas for Kids

Have a quick look at the top 5 surprising health benefits of bananas for kids.

1. Gives Instant Energy

Bananas are considered to be a sports food. The carbohydrates present in ripe bananas gives instant energy.  Children are very physically active whole day. They also get tired very fast and they need lot of energy to do many activities. For maintaining the energy levels of your child, give him bananas regularly. Ripe bananas are energy boosters. You may give them bananas immediately after they come back from play. They will feel energized.

2. Good for Digestion

The fibre present in bananas helps in good digestion. Bananas also contain a type of fibre called pectin which are water soluble. These water-soluble pectins increase and lead to the ripening of the bananas. This aids in proper digestion by converting the carbohydrates into simple sugars that are released. Regular intake of bananas regulates the bowel moment of your child and prevents gastrointestinal problems. The fibrous content gives a feeling of fullness and your child will not feel hungry for a long time.

3. Strong Bones and Better Eyesight

Bananas are potassium rich food. The potassium neutralizes the sodium that may be present in your child’s diet and thereby makes your child’s bones strong. The calcium that is lost during urination can be supplemented by a banana. Children who eat bananas regularly have better eyesight. Bananas can improve your child’s vision. Vitamin A is present in bananas and they are good for eyesight. It protects retina from any kind of diseases.

4. Prevents Anaemia

Iron deficiency, where there is absence of red blood cells production, leads to anaemia. Your child’s diet should include iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 and copper in sufficient quantity for the formation of red blood cells. A banana is enriched enough with all of these nutrients and helps in producing haemoglobin. Iron is good for your child and prevents your child from getting anaemic.

5. Increases Brain Power

Bananas can be good fuel for your child’s brain. Potassium present in bananas helps in circulation of blood and thereby boosting the brain. Bananas can also increase your child’s concentration power. You may give them bananas as snacks to school or in between study hours.

When and How to Give Bananas

Bananas can be introduced in your children’s diet from a very early stage, say after 6 months onward. Bananas can be a very nutritious baby food. You may introduce by giving them mashed bananas with milk in little quantity. Gradually you can increase the amount. After 5 yrs onward, your child can be given 4 to 5 ripe bananas in a day. They can be given with every meal.  Bananas are the healthiest of all fruits. The high level of antioxidants present in bananas protects your child against all kinds of chronic diseases.

If you want to elevate the mood of your child, just give one banana. It will immediately relax your child.It does not involve lot of work in peeling. Bananas can be mashed and given to your child. They can also be given in the form of banana shakes. You can also make cupcakes with banana or include them in desserts. Bananas are available at all seasons.