Hot summer makes children susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte disorders. According to research by the World Health Organization, natural coconut water is one of the sources of good electrolytes for the body, especially useful in cases of mild to moderate dehydration due to diarrhea or hot weather.
A report published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition confirmed that coconut water is as effective as medical electrolyte water in rehydrating after exercise or sweating a lot. This is especially important for children, because their body temperature regulation is not as perfect as that of adults.
However, according to recommendations, mothers should pay attention to giving their children coconut water that needs to be done properly. Only children aged 6 months and over can get used to coconut water, so mothers should only give them a small amount, about 3050 ml at a time, to monitor their body's reaction. Children under 1 year old should still prioritize breast milk or formula as the main source of nutrition. In addition, children should not drink cold coconut water or immediately after being outdoors for too long because it can cause heatstroke.
Coconut water also contains natural sugars. Therefore, it should not be overused, only use a maximum of 100150 ml/day for young children, to avoid affecting the main meal allowance. Choose fresh coconut, without adding sugar or preservatives.
Coconut water is a healthy summer drink for children if used in the right amount and time. With rehydration and digestive support properties, coconut water will help children stay healthy during hot days, when used according to scientific instructions.
