Cold weather is the time when respiratory diseases increase in children due to cold weather and dry air weakening the body's natural protective barriers. Besides keeping warm and getting fully vaccinated, nutrition plays an important role in increasing children's resistance, in which fruit is an essential source of micronutrients.
Nutrition experts recommend 5 types of fruits that children should eat a lot in cold weather including: oranges, tangerines, pears, apples, kiwis and bananas. These are fruits rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, helping to support the immune system and maintain energy for children's bodies.
Dr. Sarah Johnson, a pediatric nutritionist at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, said: "Fruits provide vitamin C, fiber and biological compounds that help children's immune systems work more effectively in cold weather conditions.
Oranges and mandarins are a group of fruits rich in vitamin C, which plays a role in promoting the body to produce white blood cells, helping to protect nasal and throat mucosa and reduce the risk of respiratory infections. Children should eat oranges and mandarins in moderation, avoid using them on an empty stomach or in the evening if they are coughing.
Pears contain a lot of water and fiber, which helps replenish water in dry weather. In traditional medicine, pears are often used to help reduce coughs and reduce phlegm. However, children with diarrhea should not eat pears because they can cause more severe digestive disorders.
Apples are rich in quercetin, an antioxidant that helps protect lung cells from the effects of cold air. The pectin fiber in apples supports digestion and limits constipation, a common problem in children in cold weather.
Kiwi has a high content of vitamin C, along with vitamin E, potassium and polyphenols, which help boost immunity and support digestion. Some studies show that children who eat kiwi regularly suffer less from upper respiratory infections.
Bananas are a fast and easily digestible source of energy, suitable for children on cold days when heat demand increases. Bananas are rich in vitamin B6 and potassium, which support the antibody production process and reduce fatigue. However, children should not be given bananas when hungry or coughing with phlegm.
Dr. Michael Lee, an immunology expert at the University of California, USA, commented: "Diversifying fruit in the diet helps children receive enough micronutrients necessary for the immune system to adapt better to cold weather.
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