A Guide to Citrus Fruit and Children’s Nutrition

Childhood is known as the formative years for a good reason. The body does more than just get bigger; it gets stronger or weaker depending on the amount of nurturing it receives. Parents have every right to closely, even lavishly, monitor their children’s nutritional intake. Strong bones, teeth, and muscles built in the early years can very likely pay off in healthy, illness-free living later in life.

There’s plenty of ways to help children grow healthy. Many nutritionists and pediatricians believe one of the best methods involves making fresh citrus fruits a key component of a child’s diet. Consider some of the following benefits:

Vitamins A and C for Energy and Immunity

Citrus fruits including oranges and grapefruit are power-packed with the key vitamins A and C. Together and separately, these two crucial nutrients are essential for keeping the body’s – especially the child’s body – healthy and active. They both work to build the immune system, and to provide the energy needed to exercise and do well in school.

Oranges especially are loaded with vitamins and minerals, and they benefit from having a sweet taste that children can enjoy (just look at the preponderance of orange-flavored sodas and candies). Parents can substitute an orange for a candy bar or cookies inside their child’s lunch, and for French fries or other side dishes at fast food restaurants.

Calcium: The Building Block of the Human Body

Of course it’s widely known that our bones are made largely of calcium. Conventional wisdom also tells us that calcium is a great reason to consume dairy products. But milks and creams can also be loaded with fat and cholesterol.

Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines contain hearty doses of calcium without the added fat or cholesterol payloads. They’re a healthier source of calcium children but also adults and seniors, too.

Proteins and Minerals

Besides the above, oranges and grapefruits also contain protein and minerals in their pulps and rinds. These are essential for building healthy muscles and tissues. Many dieters seek such ingredients from meat products, but as with dairy products these may also have high fat contents. Getting them from fresh fruits also the same benefits.

Taste the Sunshine with Hale Groves

At Hale Groves, we believe the best gifts come from the land, not a factory. For generations, our fruit has been grown slowly under the Florida sun, picked at its peak, and delivered fresh to your door. From sweet Navel Oranges to rare Honeybells, every gift shares the simple joy of real flavor—perfect for holidays, milestones, or everyday moments worth celebrating.

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