Parents may be doubtful about whether or not to use flaxseeds for babies. Flaxseeds or linseeds are a natural source of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), an essential fatty acid. The seeds are also rich in dietary fiber and several beneficial compounds. Flaxseeds may be used powdered, whole, or as cold-pressed oil. Regular consumption of flaxseed could provide several long-term health benefits. But are flaxseeds safe for babies? Read this post to know the use of flaxseeds for babies, its potential benefits, and precautions to consider while feeding flaxseeds to babies.
When Can Babies Have Flaxseeds?
According to the NHS, babies can consume finely powdered seeds from the age of six months (1). You can add powdered flaxseeds to puree, mash, porridge, and soup. You can also use flaxseeds to make different baby food preparations, such as flaxseed bread with guacamole. Flaxseeds are usually well-tolerated by babies and rarely trigger any allergy in babies but might cause side effects in sensitive babies. Therefore consult a pediatrician or pediatric nutritionist before feeding any form of flaxseeds to your baby.
Nutritional Value Of Flaxseeds
Flaxseed is nothing less than a superfood that has abundant dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins K, C, B complex, minerals, and other health-promoting plant compounds. One teaspoon (2.5g) of ground flaxseeds can add the following nutrients to your baby’s diet (2) (3) (4). AI = Adequate intake – nutrient level assumed to ensure nutritional adequacy. Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture and Oregon State University Besides these, flaxseeds contain certain bioactive compounds, such as lignans, which promote long-term health on regular consumption (5).
Possible Health Benefits Of Flaxseeds For Babies
Flaxseeds served as a part of a balanced diet could provide the following benefits to your baby. Besides these benefits, flaxseeds provide compounds, such as lignans, phenolic acids, and flavonoids (10). These compounds possess antioxidant properties that can support overall health in the long-term.
Tips To Select And Store Flaxseeds
Below are some tips that can help you select and store flaxseeds appropriately.
Precautions To Take While Using Flaxseeds For Babies
Observing precautions ensures the safe ingestion of flaxseeds in babies.
Recipes To Include Flaxseeds In Babies’ Diet
Now that you know about flaxseeds, let’s learn some flaxseed recipes you can try for your baby and toddler.
1. Fruity yogurt with ground flaxseeds (6+ months)
You will need:
1cup unsweetened Greek yogurt ½ cup frozen blueberries (chopped) ½ cup ripe mango (chopped) 1 ripe banana (mashed) 1tsp ground flaxseeds
How to prepare:
2. Flax oatmeal porridge (8+ months)
You will need:
1 cup water ½ cup instant oats 1tsp jaggery powder 1tsp ground flaxseeds ½tsp dry fruit powder
How to prepare:
3. Flax and carrot muffin (10+ months)
You will need:
2 cup carrot (grated) 2 cup apple (grated) 1 cup cranberries (dried) 1 cup whole wheat flour ¾ cup ground flaxseeds ¾ cup rolled oats flour ¾ cup whole milk ½ cup brown sugar 2tsp cinnamon powder 2tsp baking soda 1tsp unsalted butter 1tsp baking powder 1tsp vanilla bean paste 2 eggs
How to prepare:
4. Flaxseed bread (12+ months)
You will need:
1 cup wholewheat flour 1 cup rolled oats 1 cup raisins (chopped) 1 cup whole milk 1 cup boiling water ⅓ cup jaggery powder ¾ cup flaxseeds 1tsp baking soda 1tsp baking powder ¼tsp salt
How to prepare:
