Which is the Best Ghee for Babies and What are its Uses?

Ghee for babies: A baby’s nutritional powerhouse

The ghee (a type of clarified butter originating from the Indian subcontinent) is often used in many cultures for a long time. People not only like the taste of ghee but also millions of parents find it useful for their children since they are looking for healthy options for growing children and ‘ghee’ is one of them. This article will focus more on exploring about the best ghee for babies available, its wide range and its health benefits backed by science.

Best ghee for babies: Which ghee is best for babies​?

Ghee is made by heating butter, then the remaining water and milk particles are removed. Hence, there is a separation of water and milk solids from the butter. The end product is lactose free golden liquid with plenty of good fats and is very beneficial, known as ghee. Ghee which is available for purchase can be subdivided into two distinct types.

• Ghee of Cow Origin: It is milk from cows and is easier to digest. This type is labeled as cow ghee.
• Ghee of Buffalo Origin: It is richer and comprises a higher number of calories as it has a greater percentage of fat since it is made from buffalo milk.

Ghee is high in nutritional value and is helpful for developing infants. Ghee derived from A2 cows, better known as A2 Ghee, is considered the best cow ghee for babies as it has multiple benefits and is simple to digest. One can consume A1 protein found in other dairy products but, A2 Ghee comes from A2 cows which contains A2 beta-casein protein. As a result, this makes A2 ghee safe for babies especially towards the six-month mark where solid foods are being introduced.

Why A2 Ghee is the best solution for your Baby?

1. Nutritional Composition

A2 ghee is made from A2 cows and this means that the beta-casein protein it contains is of a different type compared to the beta-casein protein found in A1 cows. This explains why ghee created from A2 cows is less likely to upset the stomach of infants. The most important nutritional parts of A2 ghee are:

• Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Contains vitamin A, D, E and K which are important for vision, immunity, and bone health and other bodily functions of the human body.
• Medium-Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs): The absorption rate of these fats in the body is rather high and more importantly, they serve as a quick source of energy which promotes brain as well as physiological growth.
• Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): It is prominent in enhancing immune capacity.

2. Digestive Health

Ghee contains butyrate which can be classified as a short-chain fatty acid that aids in maintaining a healthy gut lining. This is particularly beneficial for babies whose digestive systems are still developing. Furthermore, ghee enhances digestion by promoting the release of digestive enzymes that helps in improving gut health.

3. Immune Boosting Properties

Anything that contains antioxidants is protection against oxidative stress at cellular level and ghee is no different. It goes without saying that ghee intake on a consistent basis would naturally improve one’s intake of vitamins and minerals, this subsequently boosts the immune system and especially during vulnerable stages of growth.

Ghee benefits for babies​ | Health benefits of ghee for kids

1. Nutritional Powerhouse:

Ghee has abundance of nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E and K that can ensure healthy growth and development of babies

2. Supports Brain Development

The first few years in an infant’s life are really important in terms of the development of the brain. Ghee is known to contain omega-3 fatty acids that are crucial for the development of the brain and enhancing the cognitive aspects of the body. The omega-3 contributes in the formation of brain cells and enhances memory.

3. Digestive Aid

Ghee is a rich source of butyric acid which solves digestive issues related to unhealthy bowel and enhances digestion by activating digestive enzymes.

4. Immune Booster

Due to the antioxidants and the CLA contained, ghee can augment the strength of the immune system thus making a person less susceptible to diseases.

5. Promotes Healthy Weight Gain

Ghee can serve as an excellent choice for infants who need to put on some healthy weight because it is high in calories. Additionally, it provides energy while also being easier on the gut making it appropriate for young babies with a weak digestive system.

6. Enhances Skin Health

In addition to being a fantastic dietary supplement, ghee also functions well as a moisturizer that can be applied externally to the skin in order to soothe it and alleviate dry skin. Owing to its emollient qualities, it is ideal for massaging babies and other young children so that their skin becomes very smooth and flexible.

7. Energy Source

As a baby grows and becomes active and starts moving, the medium chain saturated fatty acids will provide a secondary source of energy.

8. Improves Bone Strength

Ghee is a great resource to supply vitamin D; this vitamin plays an important role within the body as it helps in the assimilation of calcium which is required for developing strong bones among babies and infants. Therefore, giving ghee to a baby ensures that the baby is growing adequately in terms of the skeletal growth.

9. Alleviates Digestive Issues

For babies that struggle with gas and colic, gentle abdominal massage with heated ghee can come in handy. It serves as a great digestive aid.

​Be aware of possible disadvantages of ghee for babies

Take a look at the following possible disadvantages of ghee for infants if not fed correctly:

• Excess Caloric Intake: Ghee is quite potent in calories and so overconsumption has to be checked otherwise it may result in gaining excessive weight that raises the chances of obesity in childhood.
• Digestive Issues: When the amounts of ghee consumed are high, it leads to some uncomfortable digestive sensations, such as indigestion, lack of sleep, loss of appetite since ghee can cause a sense of fullness in stomach for longer times.
• Potential Allergies: Despite being lactose free, it is worth pointing out that ghee is made from milk. Hence, it might not suit a baby that has allergies for milk.
• Nutrient Imbalance: Relying solely on ghee while avoiding other foods leads to nutrition deficiency, this happens as ghee is rich in fats and contains plenty of calories.
• Risk of Overconsumption: An assumption that ghee is healthy tends to trigger the misguided notion that more is better thus leading to medical issues related to high-fat diets.
• Not Suitable for Certain Conditions: Babies suffering with jaundice and liver problems are instructed not to use ghee since fatty foods worsen their situation.
• Cough and Cold Precautions: It is said that if one is suffering from cold cough one should not eat ghee as per ayurvedic practices as it further stimulates the production of mucus.
• Needs Observation: When ghee is introduced to the diet of a baby, parents are advised to monitor their child in order to check for adverse signs, which can be often time-consuming and stressful.
• Potential for Contamination or spoilage: Homemade ghee, if not prepared, stored or preserved carefully, poses a risk of contamination and spoilage thereby creating health hazards for the infants. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the ghee is prepared and preserved in a proper way so that all health risks are avoided.

Ghee can be of importance in a baby’s diet but only when when moderate ghee is employed and the negative considerations are taken into account.

How to introduce ghee into your baby’s diet?

An excellent practice that you can try is adding ghee to your infant’s diet, it is quite advantageous for your child’s health as well as taste enhancement of their meals. Ghee is a type of clarified butter, the nutritional value is high and a good source of healthy fats, thus, adding ghee into a child’s diet is beneficial. Since parents start the process from around six months of introducing solids, there is a need to understand how to use ghee in the right manner.

When to start?

Parents can add ghee to their baby’s food when he/ she is six months old and starts eating solid food. It is advisable to first use minimal quantities, for instance, just a few drops mixed into vegetables to see how the baby responds.

Recommended dosage

• 6-8 Months: Start with three to four drops added to meals.
• 8-12 Months: Gradually move to half a tsp.
• 1 Year and Older: To their normal meals add one round tsp of ghee each day.

Practical ways to include ghee in your baby’s diet

Ghee can be served in many different ways:

• Mix in mashed vegetables and lentils.
• Cook lentils or rice in ghee for a nutritious base.
• Use as fat in the cooking of dishes appropriate for the baby.
• Increase the value and flavor of cereals or porridge by including it.
• Apply a thin layer of ghee on chapatis or bread for added taste.

Best tips to consider when choosing ghee for your baby

To get the best ghee for your baby, there are few factors you will need to consider.

Quality Matters

Consider a brand of pure organic A2 cow ghee that incorporates ghee cooked with milk from grass-fed cows as this is high in nutritional quality.

Is Homemade Ghee Better Than Store-Bought Ghee?

Store bought ghee is relatively easy to use but homemade ghee can guarantee purity and freshness. Before going for a jar of ghee off the shelf, make sure the brand fosters a good reputation with credible ingredient lists.

Using ghee for babies for specific purposes

Ghee massage for baby in winter​

A ghee massage may be of prime use to babies in winters when the exterior environments are very cold that can create crispy or rough skin. Since ghee is one of the richest emollients, it ensures that the skin is fully nourished, supple and hydrated throughout the cold season, thus nursing winter’s harsh effects. Besides, the warmth that is produced from gently rubbing ghee into the skin could assist in blood flow, thus cuddling the baby. This activity is not only beneficial to the skin but also allows the mother and the child to relax and bond, thus making it an enjoyable experience during winter months.

Ghee for baby skin whitening​

Some people believe that ghee prevents moisture loss and that its application could help soften a baby’s skin, however, it is unwise to think of it as for baby skin whitening. At best, ghee possesses vitamins A, D, E, and K that can be good for the skin but won’t change the skin for any shade lighter than the original. Rather, it assists in keeping the skin supple and hydrated which will make it glow instead of being fairer than the previous complexion.

The baby will develop soft glowing skin tone and that only should be the target for parents, rather than being obsessed with fairness, look for overall skin health instead as every baby is bound to have a different tone and that is okay.

Ghee for constipation in babies​

The healthy fats in ghee may potentially serve as a natural lubricant for the intestines thereby easing the passing of stools through the intestines. In addition, studies also highlight that intake of Ghee as a source of nutrition in infants can boost their nutrient absorption capacity and assist in normal bowel functioning. But ghee must be introduced into the child’s diet with caution observing any negative changes in the body of the baby.

Ghee massage for babies​ | Desi ghee for baby massage​

While ghee massage for babies is an ancient practice intended to give a vast range of benefits, it is more effective in the cold months. Being a solid emollient, ghee is also a great ingredient to spread on a baby’s sensitive skin as it helps to keep the baby’s skin from becoming too dry. A good ghee massage will help in enhancing the condition of the baby’s skin by locking in moisture when ghee is rubbed in.

Ghee massage is also beneficial for enhancing the blood supply in the body which is vital for muscle and bone development in babies. The heat generated also has the effect of bringing about relaxation and sleep in the baby while fostering the bond between the care giver and the infant.

Desi ghee is particularly helpful in baby massage since it is very nutritious. Desi ghee consists of useful vitamins including A, D, E, and K that participate in the metabolic support of the body. In addition to this, desi ghee has inbuilt antibacterial properties which can be helpful in preventing skin infections. Regular ghee massages can also help in treating common skin disorders like dry skin and rashes and also help the baby be calm due to the soothing ghee massage.

Which brand ghee is good for babies​ in India?

Here is a list of recommended ghee brands for infants that can be found in India:

1. Amul Cow Ghee: This brand specializes in pure cow ghee products that have excellent taste as well as aroma and can be utilized in a lot of uses.
2. Britannia Ghee: This brand is reputable and commonly used as ghee because it’s of good quality as well as easily accessible.
3. Patanjali Cow’s Ghee: This brand supplies ghee rich in nutrients and is derived from pure cow milk that is quite trusted as it is organic.
4. Godrej Jersey Ghee: Jersey ghee is a combination of fresh cream and its a very popular option amongst different households which have thick and creamy consistency.
5. Milky Mist Ghee: The brand stress on quality and purity hence does not allow usage of malnourished cows for their milk – this ghee comes from healthy cows.
6. Sri Sri Tattva Desi Ghee: This ghee is produced through the traditional ‘bilona’ technique, which means it’s completely free from preservatives and additives thereby making this ghee nutritious for babies.
7. Kapiva A2 Cow Desi Ghee: This ghee is obtained from Gir cows which are on a grass-fed diet, this method is termed the traditional vedic bilona method.
8. Nutty yogi pure bilona A2 Desi Cow Ghee: This is a traditional A2 Desi Cow Ghee which is made up of grass fed cows and has potential health benefits.
9. Vanalaya Organic A2 Desi Gir Cow Ghee: This organic option is free of artificial additives and becomes eligible for babies having lactose intolerance.
10. Two Brothers Organic Farm A2 Desi Cow Ghee: Focusing on free-range cows, this firm is strong on organic farming and the farms’ production practices.

These brands ensure quality and purity, therefore they are ideal brands for the use of ghee in the baby’s diet. Always look at the label in order to make sure the product is of good quality and safe.

Conclusion

Ghee in general is such an amazing food because it contains several nutrients which are otherwise found in abundance in traditional foods naturally along with being delicious. Ghee can literally aid the development of the brain, skin and boost the immune system.

Also and for the record, please consult a pediatrician before including any new food into your baby’s diet as it is really important to make sure that this new food is beneficial for their health.

Ghee can prove to be a fantastic addition to your baby’s nutrition if you understand moderate intake, as it can potentially enhance their growth during their early years.

Nonetheless, by understanding the positive impacts of ghee and methods of using them well, parents are able to make appropriate decisions towards their child’s health/contentment.

With proper knowledge of why and how ghee should be used, parents can make decisions that are complimentary to satisfactory growth and health of their children. After all, ghee can improve skin, immunity counting in several other benefits aiding growth. All in all, it makes ghee a high value option for your baby’s nutritional intake formation.

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