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Chikoo (Sapota) for Babies - Health Benefits and Recipes
Sapota is also known by the name sapodilla. It is called as “Chikoo” in the Indian subcontinent and is a widely popular fruit enjoyed by everyone. It is mostly brown in colour and is soft and pulpy. It consists of sugars such as fructose and sucrose.
Chikoo has been popular since time immemorial, but the question that bothers many parents is if it can be given to their babies. But no need to worry, as the following guide will help you know everything about this super fruit.
Is Chikoo Good for Infants?
Chikoo has many health benefits associated with it. It strengthens the immune system and eases the bowel movements. And, yes it is even safe for infants, as it does not lead to any allergic reactions. You can introduce chikoo to your infant once he is 6-months-old and rest assured your little one will relish its taste.
When Can You Introduce Sapota in Babies' Diet?
You can introduce sapota in your babies’ diet once he turns 6 or 8 months old. This is the safest period to include sapota in your infant’s diet plan. It is usually recommended for its rich taste and nutritional values it holds.
Nutritional Value of Chikoo
Chikoo is a highly nutritional fruit. Know its nutritional value:
NUTRITION CONSTITUENT
Nutritional Value
Percentage of RDA
Energy
83 Kcal
4%
Fat
1.10 g
3.5%
Carbohydrates
19.96 g
15%
Dietary Fibre
5.3 g
14%
Protein
0.44 g
<1%
Cholesterol
0 mg
0%
VITAMINS
Niacin
0.200 mg
1%
Riboflavin
0.020 mg
1.5%
Thiamin
0.058 mg
5%
Vitamin A
60 IU
2%
Vitamin C
14.7 mg
24.5%
Vitamin B6
0.037
3%
Folate
14 µg
3.5%
ELECTROLYTES
Sodium
12 mg
1%
Potassium
193 mg
4%
MINERALS
Calcium
21 mg
2%
Magnesium
12 mg
3%
Copper
0.086 mg
9%
Zinc
0.10 mg
1%
Selenium
0.6 µg
1%
Phosphorous
12 mg
2%
Iron
0.80 mg
10%
Source: The following chart gives an insight into the nutritional value of sapota. These values are based on a study conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Amazing Health Benefits of Chikoo Fruit for Babies
Babies love anything that tastes sweet. Sapota or chikoo is one of them, but along with its rich taste, there are some amazing health benefits that make it a good choice for babies. Read on, to find out how chikoo is beneficial for babies:
1. Improved Digestion
Sapodilla for babies is highly recommended as it is rich in fibre content. Eating sapota improves digestion in kids and treats constipation. You can give sapodilla to your little one. Sprinkle it with a pinch of salt if your baby is suffering from constipation.
2. Improved Physical and Mental Growth
Chikoo is found to be a rich source of vitamins such as vitamin A, C, and B6. Vitamin C, in particular, boosts immunity and vitamin A improves eyesight. Vitamin B6 helps in brain development, controls haemoglobin levels. It even helps with the production of RBCs. So, a small fruit can be very healthy for your baby.
3. Cures Cold and Cough
Sapota contains expectorant properties which makes it good from the medicinal point of view. Sapota, when served to babies, can provide relief from congestion and clogging in the chest.
4. Reduces Inflammation
Sapota is obviously good for the health but the leaves of sapota tree also offer amazing health benefits. The leaves of sapota have anti-inflammatory properties; all you need to do is boil a bunch of sapota leaves for about 10 minutes and serve the boiled liquid to your little one once it cools.
5. Provides Energy
Sapota is a good source of minerals like potassium, iron, calcium, and copper. Not only minerals but sopata is also a good source of vitamins like folate and niacin. The combination of all these minerals and vitamins helps in providing the required energy and strength to your kids.
6. Acts as an Antioxidant
Sapota or chikoo is found to be a good source of antioxidants. These antioxidants are necessary for infants as these help in preventing cell damage. The free radicals that are produced during metabolism are counteracted effectively with the help of antioxidants.
Precautions to Be Taken while Introducing Chikoo to Infants
Though sapota is found to be beneficial for kids, certain precautions should be kept in mind while serving this sweet and nutritious food.
Serve peeled sapota to your kids which does not contain any seeds.
If your baby's teeth are not developed, it is better to crush sapota’s inner soft portion and then serve the formed liquid puree for better digestion
Prefer only serving ripened sapota to your little ones as it will be easy to swallow and digest it.
Do not serve rotten chikoo to your kids, i.e. if it is pressed or has a foul odour. Only fresh sapota should be preferred that has a solid outer surface.
Do not serve raw sapota to your baby as it may lead to irritation in the throat or even problems in breathing.
It is recommended to store sapota fruit in a cold and dry place.
Serve sapota to your kids in limited quantity as an excess of it can lead to difficulty in digestion.
Are There Any Side Effects of Chikoo in Babies?
Chikoo or sapota holds rich nutritional values. But looking at its negative side, it also can lead to certain side effects, such as:
Overeating sapota can lead to weight gain.
Overeating can also lead to indigestion and abdominal pain.
Eating raw sapota can lead to throat irritation, breathing problems, or even ulcers.
Easy to Make Chikoo Recipes for Babies
Chikoo should always be served as a puree or in other liquid forms to babies. And, keeping that in consideration, some amazing sapota recipes are suggested. These will not only taste good but also provide the intended health benefits:
1. Chikoo Milkshake for Babies
This protein drink is recommended for babies. It will not only taste good but will also boost immunity and aid in brain development.
Ingredients
1 ½ cup milk
2 fresh and ripe chikoo
1 tablespoon sugar
½ cup finely chopped cashew nuts
2 ice cubes
How to Prepare
Mix all the ingredients together except ice and blend them till it forms a smooth paste.
Pour in a glass and add the ice cubes.
Serve it chilled to your kid.
2. Chikoo Puree for Babies
Chikoo puree can be made easily and does not require much efforts. Serving sapota puree to your baby is often recommended if your baby's teeth are not developed yet.
Ingredients
1 Chikoo or sapota
How to Prepare
Cut the chikoo from the middle into two equal parts.
Take out the seeds from it.
Mash the chikoo with the help of a spoon, or you could also blend it.
Add breast milk or normal milk so that it easily melts in the mouth of your baby.
Sapota or chikoo is one of the best fruits that can be served to your baby for its good taste and nutritional value. Now that you know everything about this miracle fruit, never hesitate to serve it to your kids and don't forget to follow the mentioned precautions.
Also Read: Banana Puree for Baby Read more
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Nesting Instinct During Pregnancy
Parents find themselves doubting and thinking twice about the smallest things, things which would have never even gotten a second thought in normal times. However, it is the hardest on the mother - she is not only affected physically but also goes through a lot of changes emotionally.
Mothers who were least interested in housework before pregnancy may find themselves fussing about the smallest stain when they are expecting. This is a part of a phenomenon called nesting. Nesting might make the mother doubt every single aspect of the house, and think about whether it is good or harmful to the baby. This instinct usually strikes in the third trimester, a few weeks before the due date. Instead of enjoying the well-deserved rest like you are supposed to, you might find yourself rearranging and scrub diligently. So here, let us take a look at this instinct that mothers have, so beautifully called nesting.
What is Nesting Instinct in Pregnancy?
Nesting refers to the process or act of preparing your home, or ‘nest’, to welcome the baby into the world. Nesting before the baby is a common biological trait observed in many species- birds and many other animals also exhibit this urge during pregnancy. Generally, a nesting mother prepares the home physically in order to ensure the safety of the newborn, engaging in baby-proofing the home, deep cleaning it, sometimes even doing loads of laundry. Female nesting is not harmful in any way - it is simply a biological condition that points to our animalistic pasts, our instincts. Women have also been observed to stay closer to their home when the nesting stage during pregnancy arrives.
Does Every Pregnant Woman Nest?
It is impossible to think that all expecting mothers will go through the nesting period. In fact, it was found in a survey that three-fourths of all expecting women went through the nesting phase, while the rest did not. It does not signify the health of the pregnant woman in any way; some women nest, and the others do not.
When Does an Expectant Mom Start Experiencing the Urge of Nesting?
In many cases, nesting can strike the woman as early as the second trimester. This is because the energy levels of the women are higher at that stage, and they might find themselves channelling all this energy into cleaning their home. However, nesting is surer to affect the woman closer to the due date, in the last weeks of pregnancy. Adrenaline flows through at high levels during this time, and women usually tackle that by improving their living conditions. It is even said that when a woman starts cleaning her home in a frantic manner in the third trimester, it can be taken as a sign that she is about to go into labour.
Symptoms of Nesting during Pregnancy
There are no outright symptoms to nesting, as it is more of a psychological condition than anything else. If you are wondering if you may be nesting, there is a huge chance that you probably are. There are other social effects too- you find yourself staying closer to home, and becoming choosier about whom you spend your time with. You might even think too far into the future and stress out about it, like the impact the child may have in your professional life. Other common signs include an unstoppable urge to clean every inch of the house, do all the laundry and organize everything you see at home. Symptoms indicate that you are going to become a mother soon, and that is a good thing because mothers become more accustomed to the idea as time progresses.
Is Nesting a Symptom of Labour?
Nesting instinct before labour is not a symptom of it- it does not mean that the baby will be arriving soon. There have been women affected by the nesting instinct as early as 5 months into their pregnancies, and women who are affected only by the 39th week - in some women, nesting does not occur at all. It is not connected to labour in any way, as it is merely a psychological condition. Doctors say that the burst of energy in mothers occur as a result of them trying to get everything in order.
How Long Will Nesting Instinct in Pregnancy Continue?
In most cases, nesting instincts reduce after the newborn baby has arrived into the household. However frantic the mother may have been in the nesting period during pregnancy, nesting is sure to stop after pregnancy. This is because parents spend most of their time after the baby is born tending to the child, that they have no energy left for any other activity. This also means that they never have enough time for normal household chores, let alone neurotic cleaning impulses. Due to this lack of energy, time and motivation in the mother, nesting instincts drop down dramatically after the baby is born.
Will Nesting Re-occur in Every Pregnancy?
If you had the instinct your first time, there is a huge possibility that you will experience it in subsequent pregnancies. ‘Expanding the nest’ is more the focus for the first time, and mothers may find themselves preparing for the eventual arrival of the second child. However, it is usually mellower this time- you might just have to repeat the previous activities to satisfy the craving. So activities, like getting the old baby clothes out and installing the toddler seat in the car, might be all you do the second time around.
Do Expectant Fathers Also Nest?
Male Nesting is not a common occurrence, but you might find your partner helping out while you frenetically clean the home. This is not due to any biological conditions, as they are just helping you out and become more comfortable. Fathers only have a theoretical understanding of pregnancy until the baby comes around, so it can be hard for them to feel the same thing you feel.
Is Nesting Harmful to Pregnancy?
Nesting on itself is not harmful in any way, but the activities you do as a result can be harmful to you:
If you feel like painting or cleaning using chemicals, make sure that the area is always well-ventilated.
Never climb ladders for any reason, whether it is to dust your old painting or to hang a calendar.
Do not overexert yourself with the chores- always be hydrated and take regular breaks.
If you find yourself attacked by anxiety and losing sleep over minor things, be sure to talk to a doctor regarding those problems.
Nesting is beneficial in most ways, as it gives you the energy and the motivation to make those last-minute arrangements to welcome your child into the world. All that matters is the things you do with the adrenaline rush you get- you can get a lot of arrangements done in the short period. However, if you feel that things are getting out of hand with all the fretting, make sure to pay a visit to the doctor.
Also Read: Third Trimester Pregnancy Checklist Read more
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Exercises to Reduce Cholesterol in Your Body
If you are dealing with cholesterol issues, exercising is one thing that can help you bring down your cholesterol levels to a healthy range. Regular workouts such as cycling, walking, swimming etc. can only not help in bringing down the LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but it can also help in increasing the HDL cholesterol levels in the body. Learn why and how exercising is good for lowering the cholesterol levels and also know about some of the best exercises that may help you in achieving the same, in this write-up.
Why Exercise Works Best at Lowering Cholesterol?
Wondering whether exercise can reduce cholesterol levels? Well, yes it can work wonders! The waxy lipid fat, which is produced by the liver, is naturally present in our body. However, some people may have this fatty substance in more than required amounts in their body, which then sticks into the arteries. After attaching to the arteries, it narrows them, thereby increases the chances of cardiovascular diseases. However, regular exercising helps in changing the nature of cholesterol. In a study, it was proven that exercising not only improves the size and number of cholesterol-carrying particles but it also helps in making them larger or fluffier and thus lesser prone to causing any blockage in the arteries.
How Much Exercise Do You Need?
According to recent research, it is important to exercise for 30 minutes a day, at least 4 to 5 days a week. However, even if you can spare 60 to 90 minutes a week for exercise, it may prove to be beneficial for your health. If you have a hectic schedule, you could break up your exercising schedule into two 15-minute workouts per day.
Best Types of Exercises to Cut Down Cholesterol Levels
Here are some exercises that may help you in cutting down your cholesterol levels:
1. Brisk Walk
Walking is undoubtedly one of the best exercises to lower cholesterol naturally. Walking is a safer option for people who cannot run, either because of extra weight or because of old age. However, make sure you walk briskly or at a faster pace to achieve the cardio effects. Recent research has proven that walking has benefits similar to running when it comes to lowering the cholesterol levels.
2. Running or Jogging
If you are not hefty, your age is not a problem and your joints are healthy, then you should opt for jogging or running as a daily form of exercise to reduce cholesterol fast. As per one of the studies, it has been observed that long-distance runners or joggers have healthier cholesterol levels than short-distance runners.
3. Go for a Swim
Swimming is a great way of keeping the extra weight under check and it also helps in maintaining a better level of cholesterol in the body. This form of aerobic exercise is also easy on the joints.
4. Lift Some Weights
Weight training is a great way of getting your cholesterol levels within the normal range. According to a study, it has been proved that people who followed resistance training got rid of LDL from their blood faster than those who did not follow any resistance training regime.
5. Cycling
Cycling is an excellent way of doing some aerobic workout. If you experience pain or soreness in your joints, you can do cycling for keeping your cholesterol under check. Cycling is a fantastic way of reducing the risk of heart ailments too.
6. Yoga
As odd as it may seem, but yoga may help you in lowering cholesterol levels. Some studies support that yoga is not only beneficial for better heart health but also helps in improving the cholesterol levels of the body. According to one of the published studies, people who practised yoga on a regular basis had better cholesterol levels than those who did not practice yoga.
7. Aerobics, Zumba or Dance
Any high-intensity workout such as Zumba, dancing or aerobics, not only help you remain in good shape, but it is a great form of exercise for lowering bad cholesterol or keeping your cholesterol levels under check.
You may opt for any form of exercising that you can easily do. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, take it slow and build up your stamina before you take up strenuous workouts. However, if you are over 60 years of age, you are obese, or you have a sedentary lifestyle, you must consult your doctor before you start doing any kind of strenuous or high-intensity workouts.
How to Keep Up Exercise to Get Your Cholesterol Levels Down?
Exercising can get monotonous and boring. However, the mantra is to keep yourself pepped-up and motivated. Here are some ways of staying motivated:
1. Get a Partner
You may enjoy going for a run or jog all by yourself for some time, but after a while, it may seem so boring, and you may even want to bunk your exercising sessions. You must ask a friend or a family member to join you to keep it more fun and for staying more driven.
2. Keep It Real
Unrealistic goals are not only hard to achieve, but they may also take a toll on your health. Keep it simple and keep it real, nothing in life comes easy, and health is no exception either. Small achievable goals will keep you happy and focused.
3. Stay Flexible
Do not be rigid with your exercising schedule. This means if you are unable to go for a run, you should plan to do some yoga at home. The aim is to exercise and if, on some days, one form of exercising may not be feasible, opt for the other one.
There should be no compromises, as far as health is concerned. Therefore, if you have been detected with higher levels of cholesterol, it is an indication that you need to pull your socks up and take charge of your health. We hope this article helps you in getting some perspective on staying healthy and motivated. Stay healthy and happy!
Also Read:
Harmful Things That Silently Damage Fitness Plan
Yoga Exercises to Improve Immunity
Hot Yoga Health Benefits for Weight Loss Read more
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Stuffed mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a fabulous appetizer for any occasion. If you are looking for an appetizer that’s sure to please your guests, these mushrooms stuffed with chopped onion, bell pepper, tomato, zucchini and avocado make a delicious and easy bite. The best part of this appetizer? You can stuff, cover and store these mushrooms up to a full day. Nutritionally speaking, mushrooms are renowned for being a low-calorie functional food packed with loads of vitamins and minerals. So all the weight watchers, here's a quick recipe for you!
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
2 People
15 Minutes
15 Minutes
Ingredients
12 large white mushrooms
1/2 red bell pepper
½ medium onion
1/2 tomato
1/4 zucchini
1/4 avocado
1 tsp oregano
4 tbsp(tablespoon) tofu pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400o F.
Step 2
Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems.
Step 3
Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet with the stem side down and bake.
Step 4
Allow the liquid to leak out.
Step 5
Chop up half the mushroom stems into very small pieces.
Step 6
Chop the onion, red bell pepper, zucchini, tomato and avocado.
Step 7
Heat olive oil in a pan.
Step 8
Add the veggies and saute.
Step 9
Add tofu pieces.
Step 10
Add the oregano, salt and pepper.
Step 11
Saute for about 5 minutes until onions are tender.
Step 12
Transfer the stuffing to a bowl and allow to cool a bit.
Step 13
Place the mushrooms stem side up on the baking sheet and fill them with loads of stuffing.
Step 14
Bake for 15 minutes.
Step 15
Serve warm.
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 6 pieces
Calories
150
Calories from Fat
90
Total Fat
10g 15%
Saturated Fat
6g 30%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0g
Monounsaturated Fat
0g
Cholesterol
35 mg 12%
Sodium
260mg 11%
Potassium
0mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate
8 g 3 %
Dietary Fiber
1g 0%
Sugars
3g
Protein
8g 16%
Rest all
0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Tip: If you do not want to bake mushrooms, you can also saute them on a tawa or a pan for 10 min and then stuff them with saute veggies.
Read more
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Boredom is an important aspect of growing up. You don't have to be the clown always!
Many times we come across situations where we run out of ideas to entertain our children. That's OK! Realise this, you are not born for the sake of entertainment. Not to sound fussy, but this is a very important aspect of a child's growth and development. We need to let them run out of ideas for their entertainment so that they can think and develop creative skills in themselves and by themselves.
Every child is unique and their minds work in mysteriously amazing ways. Let your child figure out new ways of doing things. It might get pretty messy at times, but yes they will surely be more connected with their minds and with time they will develop their creativity.
A child might get fussy initially, but that's okay. Eventually, they try to figure out ways to end this boredom. Do not give in to their tantrums. Letting them explore the ways to get over boredom doesn't mean that we can let them watch screens. It won't be as helpful as an open environment would be.
The level of exploration is the bare minimum for screens whereas when you give the child an opportunity to observe the world and the surroundings closely they tend to develop better concentration and understanding of nature. That way we are giving their brains a chance to observe and question the existence of everything around us.
Education nowadays is demanding our children to become independent and creative learners. The primary stage of learning starts from home. This is step one to prepare our children to face the competition and pace of the world.
Let them do their thing in their lone times or boring times, but yes, needless to say, 'we just have to look out for their safety and of the people around them.
Let us make a difference! Read more
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
16 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
11 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Swati Kar Samanta has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
9 hours ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Swati Kar Samanta
Mom of a 2 m old girl
8 hours ago
A. Yes but first give in very small quantity to judge the reaction of your baby.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts is it okay that the baby is kicking less than usual?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. Yes it is the what part is that your child is kicking if you feel that there is a movement of your child whether it is a cake or slight movement also you know that your child is doing fine so there is no problem in that if the movement is less it’s completely alright
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what to do if the baby’s nose is blovked
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. Nasal blockage is very common, specially in small children because of the narrow nasal cavity. Any kind of saline drops like nasal clear will be helpful in dissolving the stuffy secretions, which can be taken out by vnasal aspirator gently also steam inhalation will be helpful also, try to avoid keeping the child directly under the fan.
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
4 hours ago
Q. 22 week pregnant,baby konse month me or din me kitni baar move kartaa he ,pls bataye abhi sirf 2, 3 baar hi hota he
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. hi
yes it's enough
and the frequency and timing may vary as we all are different
but yes, the frequency of feeling baby movements will increase now
please go for regular check-up to your gynecologist
and follow his or her suggestions
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
3 hours ago
Q. hi
need help and advice
my RT 18x16mm and LT 10x16mm ET 6.59
and did ovulation rest also showing fertility test C as if now , pls advice if we intercourse tomorrow then when will be my ovulation start.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. You can check with an ovulation kit if it is positive then you can certainly go ahead with the conception because ovulation kit is going to give you 100% clarity whether you are ovulating or not with that you can try practising if you can conceive the same time
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