Pomegranate is a popular semi-tropical fruit native to Iraq. This old fruit is famous for its nutritional profile and antioxidant properties that can promote health which is why it is also considered a superfood. But while pomegranate for babies seems a good choice, feeding it in age-appropriate ways is necessary to avert feeding issues such as gagging and choking. Read on to learn about the right age when babies can eat a pomegranate, its possible health benefits, and precautions to observe when feeding this fruit to babies.
Is Pomegranate Good For Babies?
Yes! You can give pomegranate to your baby after the baby turns six months old, but only in the form of fresh juice. While you feed juice, make sure it has no added sugars or artificial sweetners as fruit juice is not recommended for babies under one year of age (1). If your baby is under one year, it is wise to consult your pediatric nutritionist to decide on a safe intake limit for your baby. Note: Once your child grows a bit, you can serve the fruit pulp instead of juice. But make sure it is seedless as pomegranate seeds are a potential choking hazard.
Nutritional Value Of Pomegranate
The edible part of pomegranate consists of 85% water. It also has fair amounts of micronutrients and bioactive compounds such as phenolics and flavonoids (2). Below is a detailed list of nutrients that pomegranate has versus the recommended amounts for babies on a per-day basis. Research studies show that pomegranate has certain bioactive compounds that possess the potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic effects useful to promote health (5).
Health Benefits Of Pomegranate For Babies
Here are some ways in which pomegranate can help your baby. Another research study published in the Journal of Food and Nutrition has demonstrated the potential effect of fresh pomegranate juice on multidrug-resistant bacterial strains (7). Pomegranate juice is considered effective in treating vomiting and counteracting the bacteria that cause dysentery and diarrhea in babies. However, there are limited clinical studies to substantiate the belief (8). Pomegranate is also considered as a natural constipation reliever. One pomegranate gives approximately six grams of dietary fiber. This amount is reasonable to help combat constipation. However, there is limited clinical evidence to validate the belief. The health benefits of pomegranate are promising, and thus, it may be added in your baby’s diet. However, some precautions are a must before you do so.
Precautions To Take While Giving Pomegranate To Babies
Some things to consider before feeding your little one pomegranate pulp are:
Make sure that you don’t give seeds to your baby. Pomegranate seeds pose a choking hazard.
Do not grind the white skin of the pomegranate while making the juice. It will lend a sour flavor to the juice.
Overconsumption of fruit juice can lead to weight gain and dental problems.
Offer the juice sparingly as infants receive most of their nutrients from the mother’s milk. 4oz a day is more than enough for an 8-month-old baby. Excess consumption can cause diarrhea.
Do not mix pomegranate with any other fruit or vegetable. Always follow the four-day rule before introducing any food into your baby’s diet. And keep an eye for the allergic reactions.
If you see any allergic reaction or signs of intolerance, discontinue feeding immediately and consult a pediatrician promptly.
With all the precautions followed, you can safely introduce pomegranate or pomegranate juice to your baby.
How To Make Pomegranate Juice For Babies?
You can easily make pomegranate juice at home by following these simple steps:
