Ginger in baby food

Spice Profile - Ginger - Beech-Nut

Ginger is commonly referred to as the spice of Immortals!

Zesty and aromatic, ginger is a spicy root that has a long list of health benefits for both baby and mommy. It can help ease digestion, reduce nausea, help fight the flu or common cold and even lower blood sugars, just to name a few. It also has therapeutic properties including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects!

For baby, ginger works wonders for an upset tummy or intestinal gas that your little one is having. Chances are when you are introducing new foods to baby, their sensitive tummies are going to get a little out-of-whack. Ginger is a great natural remedy that helps their tummies.

Ginger is also great for pregnancy and postpartum care as it helps relieves nausea, morning sickness, increases breast milk, promotes digestion, reduces inflammation by improving blood circulation, strengthens immunity and it also (probably most importantly) relieves stress.

When using fresh ginger, simply remove the tough skin with a small paring knife and then mince, slice or grate depending on how you are using it. For baby food, I find that mincing works best. You can either stir in the minced ginger directly into a pre-made purée, or if making a homemade batch of baby food, you can add the minced ginger right into the blender before puréeing. A little fresh ginger goes a long way…so a small pinch in baby’s food is all you need. Ginger is usually easy to find at any grocery store and can be bought year round.

Try these Beech-Nut purées with a pinch of ginger

apple & blackberry
sweet potatoes
peas & spinach
banana, mango & sweet potatoes
apple & pumpkin
sweet potato, orange & pineapple
mango, apple & avocado

For Baby: Banana, Mango & Sweet Potatoes with Ginger and Quinoa

A healthy meal filled with potassium, vitamin C, beta-carotene and protein. You can use whole cooked quinoa for 9+ months, or Beech-Nut Oat & Quinoa Baby Cereal for 6+ months.

1 jar banana, mango & sweet potato purée
2 tablespoons cooked quinoa
1 small pinch fresh ginger, minced

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix together the purée, cooked quinoa and ginger and stir until well mixed and serve.
If baby prefers a warm purée, gently heat the chunky purée in the microwave or on the stove top until just warm and then serve.

Yield – 1-2 servings depending on baby’s appetite and age

Storage – store in air-tight container in fridge for 2 days

For Mommy: Peach Ginger Cooler with Raspberries

A fun summer drink that contains calcium, vitamins and antioxidants. Make as a refreshing cooler or kick it up a notch with a little white wine for an adult summer spritzer.

Cooler Recipe

3 cups sparkling water

2 cups fresh peaches, pitted and sliced

1 cup fresh raspberries

1 batch ginger simple syrup

1-2 cups ice

Ginger Simple Syrup

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup fresh peaches, pit removed and chopped

1/4 cup honey

1/3 cup fresh ginger, skin removed and sliced

Instructions

To make the ginger simple syrup – in a small saucepan add in the water, honey, fresh peaches and ginger and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let boil for 5 minutes, take off of heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a medium bowl, discarding peaches and ginger. Place syrup in the fridge and let cool completely.
At this point, I like to place all of the ingredients into the fridge to have them get really cold before serving. This step is optional.
To make cooler – in a large pitcher add in the peaches, raspberries, ginger simple syrup and ice. Pour in sparkling water, and gently stir.
Pour cooler into a glass filled with ice and serve with a fun straw and a sprig of mint.
To make a fun White Wine Spritzer – feel free to replace 1 cup of sparkling water with 1 cup of a bubbly white wine.

Yield – 4 servings

Storage – serve Cooler immediately for best results. Ginger simple syrup will last 5 days in fridge.

When To Start, Benefits And Precautions

Feeding ginger at an appropriate age can be healthy for your little one.

Research-backed

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Image: iStock

Ginger is a common kitchen herb popular for its flavor and medicinal properties. Its use is prevalent to treat and manage ailments, such as cough, nausea, and gastric issues in adults. However, using ginger for babies needs caution as it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as heartburn and gas in sensitive babies.

Thus, knowing the right age and age-appropriate ways to feed ginger to babies is essential. Keep reading to learn more about the safety of ginger, its possible health benefits, and ways to feed this herb to babies.

Ginger And Its Nutritional Value

Image: Shutterstock

Ginger is classified as an herb and is the most commonly consumed dietary condiment in the world (1). The rhizome is used in the culinary, drug, and cosmetics industries.

One hundred grams of ginger root contains the following nutrients.

Nutrients	Amount
Water	78.89g
Fiber	2g
Calcium	16mg
Magnesium	43mg
Phosphorous	34mg
Potassium	415mg
Choline	28.8mg
Phytosterols	15mg

Source: USDA (2)

Ginger is also considered a good source of bioactive phenolic compounds, such as gingerol, shogaol, and paradols with terpenes like zerumbone (3). These compounds tend to display anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic properties and could help in reducing the risk of certain cancers, although more research is necessary to determine their effectiveness.

Quick fact

Wild ginger is different from regular ginger (belongs to a separate family of plants) and may be detrimental to health (13).

Related: Sugar Water For Babies: Should You Give It?

Is Ginger Safe For Babies?

Ginger is considered safe for babies, although there aren’t any studies suggesting a safe limit of its consumption by babies. The US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has marked ginger as GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe). For adults, the recommended intake is up to four grams a day (4).

The FDA advises caution while using ginger in home remedies or as alternative medicine. Ginger may have possible drug interactions, and thus, using it for babies in any of these forms must be done under a pediatrician’s guidance only.

Ginger use as a medicine is not recommended for children below two years of age (5). Therefore, pediatric consultation is advised before you use ginger for any therapeutic purposes.

Related: Nausea When Breastfeeding: Causes, Treatment And Home Remedies

Health Benefits Of Ginger

Chemical analysis of ginger shows that it contains different compounds associated with positive health benefits in humans (3) (5). Some that could be beneficial for babies are mentioned next.

Antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and antiviral effects: Studies have shown that ginger has antimicrobial activity against E Coli, Salmonella typhi, and Bacillus subtilis. Babies are more vulnerable to bacterial attacks, and hence ginger could be used to prevent infections in them, albeit under a pediatrician’s guidance (6). Also, ginger is known to have anti-fungal and antiviral properties that could help boost immunity (7).

Carminative effects: Ginger’s carminative effects may help mitigate gastrointestinal issues such as delayed gastric emptying leading to constipation and flatulence or bloating.

Image: Shutterstock

Antiemetic properties: Ginger’s antiemetic properties was found to reduce nausea in patients with postoperative nausea and vomiting. So under pediatric guidance, the same may work for babies as well (7).

Expectorant: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications for cough and cold in children (8). So, if your child’s pediatrician approves, you can use ginger as an expectorant to treat cough. Ginger juice, combined with honey, is a common home remedy for cough and cold (7). But note that honey is not recommended for babies under one year of age.

Image: Shutterstock

Certain other components: Some studies have indicated that certain compounds in ginger directly relax the lungs and help ease breathing (9). In the case of bronchitis too, ginger has been found useful as a treatment

Various studies also indicate that ginger could help reduce pain. It generally inhibits the functioning of an enzyme that’s a significant component of the inflammatory response (10). Thus, if your baby is suffering from ear pain or stomachache, ginger could be used.

If ginger has so many health benefits, then why do you need professional guidance to use it? The answer is simple: consumption of ginger could have possible side-effects and drug interactions as there is no recommended dosage for babies. It is also important to follow a few precautions before using ginger for babies.

Related: Baby Stomach Pain: Causes, Symptoms, And Home Remedies

Recommended Precautions For Ginger Use In Babies

Ginger may alter the effects of some medications. Thus, if your baby has been prescribed medicines, then check with your pediatrician before using ginger (9).

The use of ginger with honey must be avoided for babies below one year because of the risk of botulism (11).

If your baby is sensitive to ginger, then some mild side-effects such as abdominal cramps, heartburn, diarrhea, gas, and flatulence could be expected (12).

When including ginger for the first time in your baby’s diet, follow a three to five-day-wait rule to check if your baby is sensitive or intolerant to ginger.

With proper precautions, ginger can be used safely in a baby’s diet. Want to know how? Read next.

Quick tip

When buying ginger, choose the ones with firm texture and taut skin with no dried-up wrinkles.

Related: Is It Safe To Eat Honey While Breastfeeding?

Ways To Include Ginger In Diet

You can add ginger to your baby’s diet in one of these ways.

Ginger soup: An effective remedy for digestion and other such gastrointestinal issues. Ginger has a warming effect and could be helpful for babies in controlling cough and cold too. Try this recipe if your baby is nine to ten months, but begin with just a spoon of it.

Image: Shutterstock

Ginger milk: After one year, when most of the babies start taking cow’s milk, a teaspoon of ginger powder can be added to it to get relief from cough and cold and constipation.

Ginger candy: You may try ginger candy or sticks for babies above two years.

Image: iStock

Ginger water: Some people believe that giving fresh ginger water to babies above one year, post meals, can help in digestion. To make this, boil a few pieces of ginger in water for about 10 minutes. Strain and cool it and serve it to your baby with organic honey.

Did you know?

Baby ginger is the one that’s harvested before maturity. It is fragrant but milder than mature ginger in terms of its spicy taste (14). This may be more suitable for babies.

Ginger for babies can be introduced by adding it to almost any food as a spice or flavoring agent. It usually enhances the palatability of any dish if cooked well. Moreover, ginger serves the nutritional value of the recipes you try for your baby in the best way possible. However, try avoiding the overuse of ginger in your recipes, as your baby may not be able to tolerate the smell or taste. You must ensure to make use of it moderately and only in a few dishes. You may check with your baby’s pediatrician about the quantity of ginger that is safe to consume, especially if you are using it as a home remedy to cure something in particular.

References:

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Ann M. Bode and Zigang Dong; The Amazing and Mighty Ginger; Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition (2011)
2. Ginger root, raw; 169231; FoodData Central; USFDA
3. Nafiseh Shokri Mashhadi et al.; Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ginger in Health and Physical Activity: Review of Current Evidence; National Centre For Biotechnology Information (2013)
4. Julie L. Ryan and Gary R. Morrow; Ginger; National Centre For Biotechnology Information (2010)
5. E. Ernst and M.H Pittler; Efficacy of ginger for nauseous and vomiting: a systematic of randomized clinical trials; PubMed (2000)
6. Arshad H Rahmani et al.; Active ingredients of ginger as potential candidates in the prevention and treatment of diseases via modulation of biological activities; National Centre For Biotechnology Information (2014)
7. Neeru Bhatt et al; Ginger: A Functional Herb; Reesearch Gate (2013)
8. American Academy of Pediatrics; Choosing Wisely.
9. Elizabeth A. Townsend et al.; Effects of Ginger and Its Constituents on Airway Smooth Muscle Relaxation and Calcium Regulation; National Centre For Biotechnology Information (2013)
10. Beth Howard; Pain-fighting Foods; Diet and Nutrition; AARP (2011)
11. Evan Ashkin and Anne Mounsey; A spoonful of honey helps a coughing child sleep; National Centre For Biotechnology Information (2013)
12. Ginger; National Institute of Health; National Centre For Complementary and Integrative Health (2016)
13. Wild ginger; Cornell Botanic Gardens
14. Baby ginger; capecod.gov

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90,000 from what age, is it possible to give a child?

Baby's birthday » Baby food » Use of ginger in children's diet

06/21/2016

Contents prepare ginger tea Ginger root

Ginger is a perennial herb with medicinal properties. It is often used in cooking as an aromatic additive. The health benefits of ginger are numerous. Tinctures on the rhizome of the plant are suitable for people of different years and are used as a preparation that:

Useful properties of ginger

helps to strengthen the immune system;
improves the functioning of the digestive system;
promotes the treatment of viral and colds;
normalizes metabolic processes.

But will the desired effects always be achieved? Is there a danger of developing side effects if you give ginger to children? Is it worth it to use a decoction of a plant for a small child to strengthen immunity? And from what age, and most importantly, in what quantities can ginger infusions be taken? All these questions justifiably arise before caring parents, and each of them must be answered correctly and accurately. nine0003

Therapeutic effects of ginger, useful for children

Let's first analyze its beneficial properties for young children.

Nutritional value of ginger

Entry into the composition of the plant of a large amount of vitamins and mineral and organic elements necessary for the body: potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and many acids and amino acids.
Regulation of gastric secretion, stimulation of appetite and increase in digestibility of food.
Providing a detrimental effect on pathogenic bacteria and strengthening the protective functions of the immune system.
Ability to destroy helminthic invasions.
Expectorant, healing, analgesic, antiemetic and anti-inflammatory action.
Improving memory and brain activity.

The above benefits make it possible to give white or black ginger to children for almost any disease. In fact, the color scheme does not matter. The root of the plant changes shade depending on the degree of processing. nine0003

Permissible age and ways of using ginger in children

Everything is clear about the medicinal effect of the plant. Now you need to understand at what age and in what form to give ginger root to children; consider contraindications for use and the main methods of preparing decoctions and infusions. But first things first.

Symptoms of ginger allergy

So, a child can consume ginger from the age of two. But before starting a course of therapeutic therapy to strengthen the immune system, it is necessary to consult with the local pediatrician. The attending physician will indicate all potential contraindications and determine the possibility of application. Aggravating factors can be:

peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
urolithiasis and inflammation of the gallbladder;
hemorrhagic syndrome and diabetes mellitus;
allergic reactions to ginger root.

In other cases, the beneficial properties of the plant will have a positive effect on the body of the child, provided that he is over two years old. It is allowed to use ginger root for preventive purposes. For example, to strengthen the immune system or improve the body's defenses. nine0003 The easiest way to give ginger to a child is to make tea from it. Young children are recommended to give ginger root in the form of warm tea. Moreover, it is the root, and not other parts of the plant. Before use, the fruit must be washed well, peeled and cut into small cubes. Pour 3 tsp. chopped ginger 200 ml of boiling water and leave for 10 minutes. You can add a slice of lemon and a teaspoon of honey to tea. This will improve the taste and enhance the beneficial properties. nine0003

For a child over two years old, it is recommended to give a ginger decoction based on green tea. 30 grams of ginger is added to 500 ml of freshly brewed tea and simmered for 20 minutes. The infusion can be consumed both warm and chilled.

Inhalation with ginger helps children cope with cough

Older children can be given a variety of dishes flavored with fresh or dried ginger. And with prolonged bronchitis or prolonged rhinitis, inhalations with ginger essential oils are effective. nine0003

Useful properties of the plant in inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract are in the sanitation of mucous membranes and antibacterial action.

But we must not forget about contraindications. The procedure is not performed at elevated body temperature. But you don't have to wait two years. Ginger inhalations can be carried out by children from one year old. The main thing is not to forget about the main contraindications in the pursuit of strengthening immunity.

Video: How to make ginger tea

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2016-06-21

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Ginger for children: the benefits of the root. Recipes. * Cooking for children * Children

Ginger is one of the most commonly consumed spices in the world, used to treat numerous diseases. In cooking, ginger is included in many recipes - from tea and cookies to meat and fish dishes.

Ginger is contraindicated in thrombocytopenia, hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, high fever; with caution - for problems with the gallbladder, cardiovascular system, hypertension, bleeding, anemia and exacerbation of gastrointestinal diseases. A child can be given ginger no earlier than 2 years of age, if he is not allergic to this plant, and with caution up to 7 years. High doses of ginger can cause mild heartburn, diarrhea, and mouth irritation in children. nine0081

Ginger is a beautiful evergreen plant up to 1 meter tall. Flowers are red, yellow, purple. There are about 140 varieties of ginger. It grows in the tropics and subtropics, although in our time it is almost never found in the wild. Most of it is produced in India, Nigeria, China and Jamaica. The ancient Chinese considered an increase in energy potential to be a special property of ginger and grew it already in the 2nd century BC.

For medicinal purposes and as a spice, ginger root is used, which has a sinuous shape with yellow flesh. nine0003

Fresh ginger contains 81.3% moisture, 2.2% protein, 0.9% fat, 1.2% minerals, 5.4% fiber and 9% carbohydrates. The beneficial minerals found in ginger are potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. It also contains vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, vitamin A, C and essential oils.

Ginger is a plant that strengthens the immune system and a very valuable healer. It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, diaphoretic, immunomodulatory effects. nine0003

Ginger root activates digestion (and therefore relieves constipation), eliminates flatulence, effective for heartburn; treats liver diseases, improves and accelerates metabolic processes in the body; in addition, ginger can treat your child's eating disorders by having a positive effect on food intake.

By the way, since ginger has a soothing effect on the stomach, it can be used by those who already have stomach problems after treatment with painkillers. If you do not like the taste of fresh ginger (burning), you can boil its slices over low heat for 15-20 minutes and add honey to a cup. nine0003

Ginger is used in diabetes, atherosclerosis, to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The use of ginger cleanses the body, prevents the development of malignant tumors and even slows down cell aging.

In Southeast Asia, ginger is used in the heat to prevent viral and parasitic diseases. It has strong antibacterial and, to some extent, antifungal properties. In vitro studies have shown that the active components of ginger inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus and Salmonella. nine0003

Ginger has a stimulating effect on the heart muscle, improving blood circulation. Improved circulation is thought to increase cellular metabolic activity, thereby contributing to its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic effects.

Due to the fact that ginger improves immunity, it is especially good to use it during the cold season. A hot cup of ginger tea magically relieves colds and flu by helping to clear nasal congestion, as well as stimulating the liver to remove toxins from the bloodstream. Ginger is an antiseptic expectorant that will relieve your child's cough. nine0003

For the treatment of colds and joint diseases, compresses can be made from ginger powder mixed with a little boiling water. Ginger is rich in antioxidants, it is good at suppressing inflammation. For arthritis, you can take 1 table. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon ground ginger daily.

For hot inhalations, baths, rubbing, in addition to powder, it is good to use ginger essential oil. It helps both with joint diseases and for strengthening the nervous system. nine0003

There are other benefits of this wonderful plant. Ginger will help the child with motion sickness in transport, nausea: give him a piece of fresh or candied ginger for absorption in the mouth. In the same way, you can help him with a headache.

Ginger. Cooking recipes

Ginger is also a spice. It is used in sauces, when preserving vegetables, added to jams, various drinks, when baking gingerbread, muffins, biscuits. In addition, ginger root is consumed pickled or in the form of candied fruits. nine0003

Due to its antimicrobial properties, ginger is widely used in the preparation of sushi, where the main ingredient is raw fish.

At high temperatures, ginger loses its aroma and taste, so it is added to the dish at the end of cooking, and to sauces and pastes - after cooking, already in the cooled mass.

Before use, the root must be peeled with a knife or the edge of a teaspoon. Then, with a vegetable peeler, cut along the fibers into slices, and then across into small cubes. The remaining unused root can be spread out in an even layer and frozen. The healing properties will remain. nine0003

Ginger can be combined with other herbs and spices in your child's meals in the right proportions. Because most culinary herbs and spices have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity, when they are combined with ginger, your child may experience a synergistic effect. The only interaction mentioned in most scientific studies is that ginger should not be combined with blood thinners (anticoagulants).

In general, ginger is considered a safe herbal remedy with few side effects that can be controlled when consumed at lower doses. Including ginger in your child's daily diet will certainly be a healthy action plan to prevent inflammatory diseases and digestive disorders. nine0003

Try this time-honored homemade drink the next time your child has a cold: