Nutritional benefits of coconut milk for babies

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Coconut milk has a creamy texture and rich flavor that makes it a favorite in Southeast Asia. Coconut milk is nutritious and tastes great, but is it safe for babies? The answer is in the article below.

1. Is coconut milk good for children?

Coconut milk is rich in nutrients, it mainly contains good fats for the body. Babies need essential fats for brain development and to support healthy skin development. Coconut milk also contains a number of vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, zinc, vitamins C and E. All these nutrients can help maintain the baby's health, development and immunity, but must not be. Use coconut milk as a substitute for breast milk and other formulas.

2. Health benefits of coconut milk for babies

Coconut milk can help your baby's brain development: Coconut milk is high in fat, and the fats in coconut milk are good for saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. The presence of good fats helps in the development of the baby's brain. Since the baby's brain will not stop developing at a fast rate, coconut milk will provide your baby with a nutritious and healthy drink.
Coconut milk can strengthen the baby's immune system: Coconut milk contains vitamins and minerals necessary for the comprehensive development of the baby. Potassium and sodium work together to maintain blood pressure. Vitamin C helps repair and develop tissues and red blood cells. It helps strengthen the baby's immunity.
Coconut milk acts as an antimicrobial: Coconut milk acts as an antibacterial and can protect your baby's body from bacteria, viruses, and germs. Coconut water is part of milk, and this water contains lipids that can help ward off antibodies.
Coconut milk can help kill worms: Many doctors recommend coconut milk to deworm children. Children are susceptible to intestinal worms. Coconut water contains antibacterial lipids, citric acid and lauric acid, which can kill this worm and strengthen the baby's immunity.

3. Use coconut milk as a milk substitute

If you are looking for an alternative to cow's milk or soy milk, experts may recommend coconut milk. Coconut milk has a high content of uric acid, a fatty acid also found in breast milk (albeit in completely different proportions). Lauric acid helps protect against infections and bacteria. Your body also burns it faster than other fatty acids. Coconut milk is also a good source of niacin, iron and copper. If your older kids like coconut milk or coconut water, then let them drink to their liking.
But you'll always have to keep in mind that coconut milk cannot be a substitute for breast milk or formula because while coconut milk has some health benefits, it doesn't get enough essential nutrients for your baby because:
Insufficient protein in coconut milk: Protein is essential for the growth and repair of muscles and tissues in the body. A baby needs a minimum of 11 grams of protein per day while a 100g serving of coconut milk provides only about 2 grams of protein, which is clearly not enough for a growing baby. Insufficient Calcium: Calcium is needed for the development of bones and teeth, and coconut milk has only close to 10% of the required amount of calcium your child needs. Coconut milk can suppress baby's appetite: Coconut milk is rich in essential fats and calories, and this can make your baby feel full for several hours, without actually providing enough nutrients that your baby loves bridge. Since the baby's belly is full, he will refuse to consume breast milk or food for several hours.

4. When and how to give coconut milk to babies?

You can start giving your baby coconut milk when he is eight months old or when he starts to eat solid foods. The first time you give your baby coconut milk, start with just a few spoonfuls, to test your baby isn't allergic to it. You can then start by using coconut milk instead of cow's or goat's milk to mix your baby's formula. You can add coconut milk to boiled or mashed rice and potatoes, with a little sugar. However, too much sugar can cause dental problems, so limit it to about half a teaspoon. You can also make milkshakes with coconut milk and fruits like strawberries, mangoes, and bananas. Including coconut milk in recipes will make kids fall in love, as coconut milk has a rich, creamy and slightly sweet flavor that most babies love.
However, it should be noted that if you give your child too much canned coconut water, it can be dangerous. Canned coconut milk is high in saturated fat. Branded coconut milk drinks are diluted with water and contain much less fat than canned varieties. Additionally, they may also contain sweeteners and thickeners, such as guar gum or carrageenan. If you're switching to a coconut-based beverage because your child is allergic to cow's milk, soy, or other nut milks, be careful as coconut is also a potential allergen, although allergies are almost entirely rare. .
For children to be healthy and develop well, it is necessary to have a nutritious diet in terms of quantity and quality balance. If children are not provided with adequate and balanced nutrients, it will lead to diseases of excess or lack of nutrients, which adversely affect the comprehensive development of children in terms of physical, mental and motor skills.
Children who do not eat properly are at risk of micro-mineral deficiency causing anorexia, growth retardation, malabsorption,... If they notice the above signs, parents should supplement their children with products. The supplement contains lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to help fully meet the nutritional needs of children. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
Parents can learn more:
Signs of zinc deficiency in children
Micronutrient deficiency and failure to gain weight in children
Please regularly visit Vinmec.com website and update useful information to take care of your child. Take care of the baby and the whole family.
Reference source: parenting.firstcry.com; healthline.com