Almond health benefits for Babies
Almonds are known for their health benefits, such as brain food containing fiber, minerals, and essential fatty acids. They also have a pleasant taste that makes them popular with both adults and kids. However, when it comes to babies, it is completely different as almonds can be difficult to chew and babies have hardly any teeth! But there are other ways to give your child their daily dose of almonds instead of depriving them of the nutritional benefits that this little nut has to offer.
Benefits of Almonds for Infants
There are two varieties of almonds – sweet and bitter. Sweet almonds, especially when consumed raw, are the most popular variety. The latter variety does not taste bitter but rather is preferred as a snack for cooking purposes. There are numerous health benefits to both varieties such as:
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Strengthens Bones and Teeth
The presence of a correct amount of phosphorus in almonds enhances the bones and teeth of your baby as they grow. The almond’s medicinal properties also help in later life to prevent osteoporosis.
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Improves Immunity
The alkaline nature of almonds, as well as the antioxidants present in them, helps to eliminate toxins from the body, thus significantly boosting the immunity of your child.
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Anti-inflammatory
The presence of some essential fatty acids provides excellent anti-inflammatory properties for almonds that ensure good health for your child well into adulthood.
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Cholesterol and diabetes are regulated
Although babies do not need to worry about cholesterol or sugar levels, early-age almond consumption can be beneficial when older. Due to the amount of vitamin E and its low glycaemic index, almonds are useful in keeping cholesterol and sugar levels down. But make sure that the nuts are not covered with salt or sugar.
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Prevents Cancer:
Almond intake increases the passage of food through the colon, which is why colon cancer chances are reduced. The only reason for this is the high almond fiber content.
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Healthy Brain Development:
Riboflavin and L – Carnitine help is your child’s brain’s proper development, and almond contains these two high – quantity nutrients.
It helps keep the nervous system of your child in the right condition and prevents Alzheimer’s disease.
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Treats Constipation:
The high almond fiber content helps in growing children to prevent constipation. This issue is quite common among kids and helps them a lot with almonds.
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Overcomes problems of dermatology:
If your child has dry skin or other problems related to such skin, almonds can help him significantly overcome the symptoms.
Physicians advise newborn baby almond oils for bone development and healthy skin. It also helps to maintain proper skin complexion.
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Maintains optimum weight of the body:
One of the serious issues facing children today is weight – related issues.
Their diet should be made up of unsweetened almond milk.
The unsaturated fats in the milk maintain children’s proper appetite and do not end up eating too much.
Almond Types:
There are two different almond varieties and you should have a good idea of them:
1. Sweet Almonds:
These are the ones that are so famous for their health benefits and are widely consumed around the world.
2. Bitter almonds:
Also known as wild almonds due to the presence of amygdalin, bitter almonds should be avoided.
Almond side effects and risks
Giving your child almonds in moderation on a daily basis is risk-free. However, if your child is allergic to nuts, you should find out.
- A family history of allergies to nut makes your child vulnerable to reactions that can also make life-threatening.
- Babies may find it difficult to chew on almonds and pose a risk of choking.
- Eating too many almonds can cause gastrointestinal problems and abdominal bloating as the body needs to process substantial amounts of dietary fiber.
Almond nutritional value:
Due to the high content of vitamins, proteins and minerals, and nearly zero cholesterol, almonds are a health food that prevents heart disease and strokes. Almonds are an amazing vitamin E source. It helps to preserve the skin, cure skin-related problems, and act as a lipid-soluble antioxidant. They also have a highly complex level of vitamin B, which helps the enzymes to function properly. They have vast quantities of minerals such as manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.
How to include almonds in the food of your baby
It can be hard for young children to eat raw almonds, but there are quite a few other ways to ensure that your baby gets her daily almond quota. You can soak the almonds in water overnight and peel them in a fine powder or paste before crushing.
Facts and information for children about almonds
- Almond is the dryest crunchy fruit that can easily quench thirst.
- You can store almonds for two years because of their long storage life.
- Almonds are one of the best regulators for cholesterol.
- Since almonds contain 90% unsaturated fats, dry fruit consumption can never make your child obese.
- Almond flour is a very healthy ingredient for gluten-free baking.
- For children, people often call almonds ‘ Brain Food.’
- It can effectively nourish the skin due to the high percentage of flavonoids in almonds.
- Almonds protect a child from heart disease and diabetes.
As with all nuts, when introducing your child to almonds, it is essential to look for signs of allergy. Include this nutrient-rich dry fruit in your child’s diet in a variety of ways once you ensure that there are no adverse reactions.
Also Read: Mom, Am I Eating The Healthy Food?
