A Full Moon Ghee Guide: Ghee for babies
Here at Full Moon Ghee, we have much to say about the benefits of incorporating ghee into your daily diet — from improving your digestion and boosting your brainpower to strengthening your immune system and of course, enhancing your culinary creations. But what about ghee for babies? Is it safe to give a baby ghee? How early should it be introduced and how much? If you have a little one who is beginning to experience solid foods for the first time, and you’re wondering about ghee for babies, we’ve written this blog post for you!
The benefits of ghee for babies
According to Ayurveda, India’s ancient medicinal science, ghee is a “satvic” food, meaning that it ensures overall well-being and healthy development of the whole body. It is also said to give you optimistic feelings and fill your mind with good thoughts. While western medicine doesn’t make such lofty claims, ghee is loaded with nutritional benefits that support healthy body systems in adults, children and babies alike.
Ghee is packed with fat-soluble vitamins A, E, D, and K, which are important for healthy eye and skin development. These vitamins also play an essential role in building a strong immune system and they aid in the absorption of calcium, which is of course, essential in the development of baby’s bones.
Ghee is also loaded with fatty acids, including:
Omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acids. Ghee from grass-fed cows contains omega fatty acids that play many vital roles in our bodies, particularly in our brains. These important fatty acids have been linked to brain and cognitive development.
Full of butyric acid. Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid that plays a central role in gut health. It is the main source of energy for our colon cells providing them with about 70 percent of the total energy they need.
One of the highest natural sources of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). CLA is a fatty acid that is associated with a long list of health benefits. Studies suggest that CLA may prevent the formation of cancer/tumor cells, alleviate inflammation, lower blood cholesterol, and improve and stabilize blood pressure.
When and how to give ghee to babies
Ghee can be introduced as early as 6 months when a baby begins to eat solid foods. It’s important to remember that ghee is a dairy product (it’s clarified butter), so care should be taken when introducing it for the first time. However, in the process of turning butter into ghee, the milk solids are removed, including casein and whey, the common causes of lactose intolerance. While ghee is known to be easier to digest than lactose-filled butter, if you suspect your baby has a dairy sensitivity or allergy, consult your pediatrician.
You can begin by drizzling a few drops of melted ghee over baby’s cereal mash or stirring a small scoop into mashed vegetables or fruit. As baby grows, you can use ghee as a cooking oil when sauteing vegetables or cooking grains. Check out this recipe from Solid Starts for an easy (and tasty) way to give ghee for babies!
Want to buy some ghee for your baby? Check out our shop! (Note: While our flavored ghees are delicious, our Chocolate Ghee contains honey which should not be given to children under 2)
*This information is strictly for educational purposes only and not to be considered medical advice. Always seek the consultation of a medical professional before considering any new health regimen for yourself or a baby.
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