Fat has more or less been often dubbed as a criminal in the health world. One such fat is our very own ghee. ‘Ghee’, otherwise called clarified butter is widely used in India since ages. ‘Ghee’ is respected profoundly in Ayurveda.That’s why ghee is the base of some of the Ayurvedic medicines. Cow’s ghee, just as cow’s milk has both nutritional benefits and medicinal value. In spite of the fact that it contains just a negligible measure of calcium as the ghee is made by expelling all the milk solids from the butter, it is rich in fatty acids, and has considerable measures of vitamin A, D and E. As ghee is prepared by removing the milk solids from the butter, it can be consumed even if the baby develops lactose intolerance, a condition in which the baby develops allergic reactions against milk and milk products.

• How Is ‘Ghee’ Beneficial For Babies?
• 8 Amazing Health Benefits of ‘Ghee’ for Babies
• How Much ‘Ghee’ Does My Baby Need?

How Is ‘Ghee’ Beneficial For Babies?

‘Ghee’ is a healthy source of fat and contains the all important Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA has been deemed as necessary for brain development and growth. Plus, ghee is also full of energy, thus providing your baby lots of calories to stay active and on the go. It is as well renowned for its anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties which can boost eyesight, immunity, digestion and helps your baby achieve optimal growth.

8 Amazing Health Benefits of ‘Ghee’ for Babies

Here we are going to discuss eight amazing health benefits of ghee for babies.

1. Using ghee for treating eczema in babies:

Eczema is a skin condition, which is very commonly found among the babies, characterized by an itchy, red, and swollen skin. The itchiness is mainly due to the dryness. The anti-inflammatory property of the ghee will help in the treatment of eczema. Rub pure ghee in the infected area of the baby around four times daily. ‘Ghee’ will act as an excellent moisturizer and soften the rough and infected skin, avoiding further cracking of the skin. Because of its antifungal, antibacterial, anti-virus properties, further infection, inflammation, and the spreading of eczema can be controlled effectively

2. Using ghee as massage oil:

Another basic property of the ghee is that it protects the body from cold. Oil massages are inevitable for better blood circulation and growth of the infants. During the winter season, especially in high altitudes and cold area, ghee is used to massage the baby. This will help the baby’s skin to become smoother and supple

3. Using ghee for treating dry cough:

A dry cough, which bothers your baby,can be treated effectively with the help of ghee. For this, dry fry and powder the peppercorns, mix it with ghee and give it to the baby. If the baby is too small to eat this, you can try the following method. Heat three teaspoons of ghee in a kadai. When the ghee is hot, put some fresh peppercorns (if needed smash it and then put) and sauté for a while. Now switch off the stove. Let the essence of peppercorn get into the ghee. Squeeze the peppercorns with the help of a sieve and remove from the ghee. Now give a little quantity of the remaining ghee– peppercorn mixture to the baby throughout the day. You can watch the amazing effect

4. Using ghee decreases the chances of infection:

‘Ghee’ is an excellent source of anti-oxidants. Making it a practice to add an optimum amount of ghee in the baby’s food will help in increasing the immunity of baby and keeping him away from common infections and diseases.

5. Using ghee for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins:

‘Ghee’ helps to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins from the food they eat. Fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins that are absorbed into the body fat and remains there until the demand arises. Vitamin E, A, D, and K are fat-soluble vitamins that have a significant role in baby’s growth

6. Using ghee will help to solve the digestive issues:

The baby’s digestive system is extremely sensitive and will react instantly if any of the ingredients put stress on the gut (cooking oil is the commonly found culprit). Among the “fat” foods, ghee is easily digestible and healthy source of fat food. Taking a spoon full of ghee per day will help in solving digestive issues as it helps with healthy bowel movements and thereby helps the baby to stay away from constipation

7. Using ghee as energy booster:

Loaded with calories, ghee is a good energy booster, which is able to satisfy the requirement of extra energy, especially if he or she is a fussy/choosy eater. Most of the babies like the smell of ghee

8. Using ghee helps to regulate thyroid hormone function:

Consuming the right amount of ghee helps to regulate the thyroid hormone function as ghee is a good source of iodine

How Much ‘Ghee’ Does My Baby Need?

Always prefer homemade ghee for the babies. By the end of the process, add some curry leaves or few methi seeds. This will help to enhance the flavor of ghee, which the child will love to have.

• You can add ghee in mashed potato or khichdi
• You can use the ghee as a dip for idly
• You can also add it to porridge
• You can use it where ever you use cooking oil
• You can also make ghee dosa (using ghee instead of oil)
• If the baby loves you can also give him ghee directly

Nevertheless, excess use of ghee will result in loss of appetite and other issues like overweight. Here are the appropriate measures of ghee that should be given to the baby. Remember, it is not per serving, but should be divided among the servings.