Cranberry juice offers many health benefits and is a nutritious drink option. You may find yourself wondering if it is safe for your toddler to take advantage of the antioxidants and bacteria-fighting properties in cranberry juices. While it is safe for him to drink cranberry juice, it is important to make sure that he enjoys a healthy variety.
Urinary Tract Infections
Bacteria in the urinary tract can cause a urinary tract infection, an infection that is common among children. Cranberry may help prevent bacteria from attaching to the walls of a urinary tract and may help prevent infections. American Family Physician states that it is safe to give your child cranberry juice if she tolerates it, as long as the juice is not considered a substitute for antibiotics needed to treat current infections.
Other Benefits
Cranberry juice offers some health benefits for your toddler. Cranberries are high in antioxidants that neutralize free radicals in his body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, these free radicals can damage cell membranes and cause cell death. Cranberry juice is also a source of vitamin C, which is a water-soluble vitamin that is not stored in your child's body and needs to be obtained through his diet. Vitamin C is necessary for repairing tissues, healing wounds and improving the immune system.
Choice of Juice
Pure cranberry juice can be sour or bitter, so many cranberry juice variety have a mixture of sweeteners or other juice flavors. Drinking sweetened juice can cause your child to consume unnecessary calories and can reduce the benefits or effectiveness of drinking cranberry juice. Look for a variety of cranberry juice that has the least amount of added sugar.
Considerations
Although it is safe for your toddler to drink cranberry juice, make sure he does not fill up on it. He needs room in his stomach for balanced meals and other nutritious beverages, and he may want to drink more cranberry juice than necessary. Stick to offering him two to three cups of cranberry juice a day and make sure he has plenty of water and milk as well.
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