Babies need the right and healthy food to promote their growth and physical as well as mental development. Giving them the food may be a concern for some parents. They need the right and healthy food for sure. In this article, we will talk about tofu that is believed to provide a source of nutrients for babies. Tofu is a soy product that offers the benefits of fiber and protein. However, it should not be given to babies with a soy allergy. According to Wholesome Baby Food, you can introduce tofu to babies at around 8 months of age. You can give the plain tofu or crushed it into cereal. In this case, tofu can be the addition to your baby’s healthy meal. Then, to give you more information, here we have listed the health benefits of tofu for babies below.
1. Source of Calcium
In fact, babies need to consume milk to promote their bones development. In this case, you can give them tofu as an alternative food. This one has the source of calcium which is beneficial for babies. All you need to do is by adding tofu to their meal! Then, it is recommended to give the calcium food for your babies. It can be found in breastmilk and store-bought infant formula, calcium-fortified tofu, almond and sesame (tahini) butter, beans, peas, lentils, and leafy greens. You can also check on Benefits of Calcium
2. Source of Iron
The next health benefit provided by tofu for babies is the ability to have the source of iron. Iron is the essential mineral to prevent certain health problems including anemia. At this point, offer iron-rich foods at least 2 to 3 times each day to help your baby meet their needs. You can include vegan food sources such as beans, peas, tofu, broccoli, kale, and green beans. Therefore, as you can get the excellent benefits from iron, then you can add tofu to your baby’s meal for sure.
3. Source of Fiber
It is known that tofu provides the source of fiber. Fiber can help to promote the work of healthy guts. Moreover, fiber can help to prevent digestion problems such as constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. As a result, you can give your babies the meal that contains tofu in it. Then, your babies will get the benefits of fiber to promote a healthy digestion system. You can also check on Health Benefits of Fiber
4. Source of Fatty Acids
Next, it is known that tofu has a source of fatty acids. At this point, fatty acids contribute to promoting mental development and brain health. Then, it is such a good idea to add tofu into your baby’s meal as it can promote their growth as well.
5. Source of Protein
In fact, one of the health benefits of tofu for babies is to provide the source of protein. As protein is the kind of essential nutrients, then you need to consume the right amount of protein foods. Indeed, you can also found protein in many foods including beans, grains, and tofu for sure. Then, with the good consumption of protein foods, you can renew the broken cells in the body. What is even greater from protein is the way it will give you more energy. This kind of benefits can help your baby’s growth. In this case, protein can help to boost body function as well. Such great benefits right? You can also check on Amazing Health Benefits of Tofu for Toddlers
6. Promotes Digestive Health
There are some cases of babies suffering from digestion problems such as constipation or diarrhea. Then, giving babies the right meal can give the right treatment. Tofu has fiber in it to deal with digestion problems such as constipation and bloating. Moreover, due to the fermentation process, it has probiotics that help to promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Thus, adding tofu in the baby’s meal will be a healthy way to go! You can also check on Discover The Health Benefits of Korean Cooking for A Healthy Digestive
7. Boosts Immune System
Tofu can help to boost the immune system by containing zinc in it. At this point, zinc contributes to promoting a healthy immune system and supports the growth and repair of body tissues. To get this benefit, you can give your babies vegan food sources such as nuts and seeds, beans, peas, lentils, tofu, and wheat germ. You can also check on Health Benefits of Jamaican Star Apple For Immune System
As you have known the health benefits of tofu for babies, here are the tips for consuming this food for your babies.
Tips for Consuming
- For the first option, you can give your baby plain tofu. This will match the babies preference as they tend to like the simple flavors of food.
- Then, you can simply dice it up and serve it as a snack or appetizer.
- You can also roll tofu in crushed cereal. Combining it with graham crackers is also a good idea.
- The next recipe for tofu is by blending it into a smoothie. At this point, you can add another fruit or vegetables to blend. Then, you can serve this through a straw for older babies or feed it to her with a spoon.
- Having tofu as a meat alternative is a good way to go. All you need to do is by adding tofu to soups or mash it with baby cereal to make a tofu burger.
- If there are any symptoms of an allergy, including rash or breathing difficulties, after the consumption of tofu, then you should seek medical attention right away.
To conclude, there is a kind of good food to be given to your babies. Then, you can choose the healthiest and ensure that your baby does not have any allergies to some food. In this case, it is recommended to give them fruits, vegetables, peas, lentils, and tofu as well. Tofu is actually quite easily digested by babies and is recommended that babies be at least 8 months of age before being given tofu. Tofu will be a healthy meal for your baby as it provides nutrients and does not have a very strong flavor. As the consequence, you can add it to a various meal in a number of ways. Therefore, don’t forget to add tofu in your baby’s meal, then!