I am a big fan of adding herbs and spices to baby food early on (you can begin adding cinnamon, and mint as early as 7 months). There are so many great flavors they can add to simple ingredients - for instance a little freshly ground cinnamon to butternut squash is super tasty. But did you know there is more to herbs and spices than simply flavor? Here are a few of the other reasons to add them to your families food. If you would like to learn more check out David Grotto's book "101 Foods That Could Save Your Life".
16 of the 101 foods Dave lists in his book are herbs and spices.
- Basil – has strong antioxidant properties and volatile oils that have antibacterial properties, and it may decrease the immune response to allergens.
- Cardamom – contains essential oils that have high antioxidant properties and could help alleviate ulcers and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Celery – the leaves can substitute for parsley. Contains polyacetylenes, substances that are highly toxic against fungi and bacteria. Essential oils in celery seeds has been shown to have anticancer properties.
- Cilantro/Coriander – could help with diabetes, digestive health, heart health and contains dodecenal which in laboratory studies is effective at killing salmonella.
- Cinnamon – could reduce blood pressure and contribute to heart health.
- Cloves – contain eugenol, a substance that could be helpful for relieving pain, killing bacteria and reducing inflammation.
- Cumin – is rich in essential oils that have been associated with blood glucose-lowering effects. It is found to be highly effective at killing the H. pylori bacteria associated with stomach ulcers.
- Garlic – contains allicin, a bacteria killer, and saponin, a cholesterol soaker-upper. A study out of London found that garlic may help decrease preeclampsia complications at birth.
- Ginger – is rich in antioxidants and could protect against cancer. It’s also been shown to help with motion and morning sickness.
- Horseradish/Wasabi – contains glucosinolates, which are known cancer and bacteria fighters. Wasabi is known to prevent tooth decay
- Mint – contains phenolic compounds that have strong antioxidant activity and may prevent E. coli bacteria from forming.
- Oregano – a study showed that oregano oil caused damage to E. coli bacteria within one minute, and another study showed it to cause damage to a parasite that causes diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- Parsley – contains many volatile oils with cancer protective properties, and can lower blood sugar.
- Peppers – contain capsaicinoids which are inflammation reducing phytochemicals.
- Rosemary – contains polyphenolic compounds that could inhibit oxidation and bacterial growth of E. coli.
- Turmeric – contains curcumin which could be a cancer-fighter and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Do you have a chart or link to one that shows what spices can be introduced when? I have a six month old who has just started solids (yeah for avocado and sweet potato!). I can't wait to start adding some spices in but want to know what is appropriate and when. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJana-
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing set in stone when it comes to when you can introduce herbs & spices and which ones you should stay away from. There are a lot of varied opinions and what it comes down to is what you are comfortable with. If you have given him or her pears and they haven't had any allergic reactions then I would say try adding a tiny bit of cinnamon to it. Go light however since those little taste buds are VERY sensitive. Mint is a great tummy calming herb and I often added it to gassy veggies like cauliflower. Treat herbs & spices the same way you do new foods by waiting a couple of days to make sure they aren't allergic. Other than that go for it but don't overdo it.Use herbs & spices to enhance but still give them the opportunity to taste fruits and veggies as they are meant to be tasted as well. Good luck and I hope this helps! If you have any concerns we always advise to speak to your pediatrician as well.