Concerned parents want their children to eat and drink healthy options. Childhood obesity levels are rising and more and more children are in health crisis mode every day. Coconut water can help!
Packing your child’s school lunch or sports snack is an opportunity to ditch the overly sweet “fruit drinks” that have more sugar than natural fruit, and add a bowl of coconut water of wholesome goodness.
Coconut water is the purest liquid after water. It is isotonic, which means it glides easily into the body’s cells to hydrate and nourish itself just as well as water. Additionally, CW has potassium, magnesium, other vitamins and minerals that will help small (and large) bodies stay in a nutritionally balanced state.
How early can coconut water be given to children? In Central and South American countries, everyone grows up drinking healthy coconut water. It is especially important in hot tropical climates where dehydration can occur quickly. Those kids don’t think twice about making The CW a vital part of their day.
Read the labels of the leading coconut water bands: all natural ingredients, low sugar, high nutrient, no artificial flavors, no chemicals. Show it to her pediatrician so she can confirm that CW is better for her child than the sodas, sugary drinks “ade” and many of the fake fruit drinks on your store shelves. Don’t overdo it; just add it as a daily drink. And if your child has food or nut allergies, discuss this with your doctor.
Plain coconut water may be a bit of an acquired taste for your little ones (and you too), but most companies have introduced natural fruit puree flavors that appeal to younger taste buds. Also remember, children are tuned in to very sweet flavors and need those options taken away from them.
Another excellent use of this liquid nectar is when children are sick. Trying to rehydrate a child who is vomiting, has a fever, or has diarrhea is often a struggle. How many parents run out to buy “pedia” drinks only to refuse to drink with their lips closed? Coconut water has a history as a rehydration drink for sick children in many countries.
Freezing coconut water into “popsicles” is a refreshing treat, especially when using pineapple or mango flavored CW. Getting sick and well kids to finish a popsicle isn’t usually hard to do! This is a great “sneaky” way to get your kids to drink more and drink healthy.
Adding coconut water to your morning oatmeal or cereal instead of milk, a splash on salads, or adding it to soup broth are other ways to give your kids the health benefits of CW without even knowing it. The shakes also appeal to the younger crowd, so top up your nutrition with CW in your “shakes.”
All the major brands (VitaCoco, ONE, Naked, Harvest Bay, Zico) come in small containers that fit in lunch boxes or diaper bags. ONE (One Natural Experience) has launched ONE Kids, which is a blend of coconut water and fruit juice for active little bodies.
However, you can introduce CW to your children, the goal is better health. Taking these steps now will guide your child down the path of good decisions. Coconut water has been a healthy drink of choice for all ages around the world. Isn’t it time to introduce your family to this nutritious drink?