Children may occasionally experience gastrointestinal discomfort, manifesting as loss of appetite. At this time, it is advisable to give children some fruit before meals in moderation to stimulate their appetite. Choosing fruits like apples, hawthorns, figs, papayas, and peaches, which are not only good for digestion but also have a natural sweet and sour flavor, is a good idea. These fruits not only enhance children’s appetite but also are rich in various beneficial trace elements for children’s health.
For example, apples have a crispy texture and sweet taste, and traditional Chinese medicine believes they can promote digestion and nourish the spleen and stomach. The minerals such as zinc in apples are particularly suitable for children who do not like to eat due to zinc deficiency. Hawthorns are highly regarded for their mild sour taste and stomach-strengthening and digestion-promoting effects, which can help alleviate children’s digestive problems. Figs, with their unique fragrance and spleen-strengthening properties, are another great choice for improving appetite, especially when enzymes in fresh figs aid digestion. Papayas contain special protein enzymes that effectively assist in digesting proteins and can be beneficial for symptoms of indigestion. As for peaches, they are juicy and sweet, with the effects of tonifying qi and generating body fluids, but it is essential to thoroughly clean the skin or peel before consumption to avoid discomfort caused by residual fuzz.
Overall, the above-mentioned fruits, when consumed before meals in moderation, not only supplement children’s essential nutrition but also effectively enhance their appetite. However, parents should also pay attention to the fundamental reasons why children are unwilling to eat, as gastrointestinal issues are just one of the reasons. Addressing the root cause can more effectively help children restore normal eating habits.
