Sweet potatoes are tasty, healthy, and an all time favourite with the kids. But are they good for babies?
Well, the answer is an emphatic yes! Sweet potatoes are filled with many health benefits and are good for people of all ages, including babies. Popularly known as ‘Yam’ in America, these potatoes have a creamy layer with a sweet and spicy flavour, making it perfect for all kinds of spicy and palatable dishes. If you visit the market, you’ll come across two varieties of sweet potatoes—bright orange and pale cream. Unfortunately, sweet potatoes are not available all year round and commonly flood the market between October to March.
Nutritional Facts About Sweet Potato:
So, how does sweet potato fare when it comes to nutrition? Well, there are several nutritional benefits of sweet potato. It contains potassium, natural sugar, Vitamins B, C, and D, iron, potassium, magnesium, and sodium. And you thought sweet potatoes didn’t have any calories!
Sweet Potato for Babies – Benefits:
Sweet potato has always been a popular option for adults and young kids. But today, it is becoming a popular baby food option too! Most babies like sweet potatoes, thanks to its taste. Sans unhealthy oils and sugar, sweet potato can be the answer to a young mother’s prayer!
For adults, the Vitamin B6 content of yam helps prevents heart attack. But this tuber has a lot to offer to young babies too. Here are a few health benefits of sweet potato:
1. Boosts Immune System:
Sweet potatoes contain ample amounts of Vitamin C, which is helpful in keeping your skin healthy. But Vitamin C does much more than just give us beautiful skin! Vitamin C has antioxidant properties and can be helpful in boosting the body’s immune system. For babies, the world is full of health risks. A simple cold can become a serious problem for young babies. But with a stronger immune system, your baby’s body can fight off many common illnesses easily.
2. Provides Vitamin D:
More and more kids today are being diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency. It is a problem with babies too. This can be taken care of by feeding your baby sweet potatoes! It contains Vitamin D, which not only boosts your baby’s energy, but also helps build stronger bones and a healthy heart.
3. Good Source Of Iron:
Many young babies suffer from anaemia as their diet lacks sufficient amount of iron. Sweet potato contains iron and can help prevent anaemia while boosting the production of white blood cells. It also builds the body’s resistance power, reduces stress and enhances the immune system.
4. High On Calorie:
Unlike us adults, young babies need to gain weight at a rapid pace. And sweet potato can help here too! A 100 grams serving of sweet potato gives about 90 calories, making it one of the best foods for your baby.
How To Make Sweet Potato for Baby Food:
You are a busy mom? Making your own baby food seems like a battle? Well, you’ll surely love sweet potatoes then! According to WHFoods, it does not take too long to cook sweet potato. Seven minutes ─ that’s how much time you need to invest to prepare a mouth-watering, yet nutritional dish for your baby!
Simple Sweet Potato Baby Food Recipe:
How to cook sweet potato for babies—now that is a big question because that is what decides the amount of nutrition your baby gets! Here is a simple recipe that you can use to provide your baby with some wholesome food:
How To Make:
It is never too early to start teaching your baby the joy of eating right! Why spend money on pre-packed baby food when you can make some yummy baby food using sweet potatoes? Instead of baking, you can even steam the potato pieces and get the same benefits. This simple sweet potato baby food recipe will provide your baby with ample nutrition—all that your little one needs to grow up healthy and happy. Give it a try!
Do you prepare your own baby food at home? Have you tried sweet potato? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.
