Eggs have perennially been named one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. And it's not hard to see why. A single egg is packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, fat (the good kind!) and other amazing nutrients. When it comes to eggs for babies, it can even prevent future illness.
Because eggs are plentiful in the good stuff, they improve our quality of health. For mums and dads, they can help keep cholesterol levels normal, promote eye health and even help with weight loss.
Eggs for babies aged 6 months can prevent allergies, says new paper
A new paper published in the Nutrition Bulletin Journal further strengthens eggs' claim to fame by highlighting the benefits of eggs for growing babies.
This comes on the heels of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) touting the safety of British Lion eggs. They are safe for babies, pregnant women, and the elderly, the FSA asserts, even when served runny or raw.
For years, many moms delayed introducing eggs to prevent allergies. But this new paper claims that adding it to your baby's diet early in the weaning process can protect them from allergies in the future.
"There is growing evidence that introduction of eggs early in the weaning process and in the mother’s diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding can help protect babies against egg allergy," says the paper's author, Dr Gray.
The early weaning process is described as a "critical window" to start protecting babies from future allergies by introducing these types of food early on. So the same goes for peanuts and other common allergens, says the research.
Why runny eggs for babies have been discouraged in the past
These new claims challenge the assumption that runny eggs are not safe for pregnant moms and babies.
For years, we have known about the dangers of fresh eggs. The FDA warns that they possess the bacteria Salmonella, which can cause food-borne illnesses like food poisoning.
This is why the FDA has made sure that distributors and consumers know about the importance of egg safety.
"To prevent illness from bacteria: keep eggs refrigerated, cook eggs until yolks are firm, and cook foods containing eggs thoroughly," warns the FDA on their website.
Because of these potential risks, it is always best to consult your child's pediatrician about the potential benefits of eggs during the early stages of weaning.
Egg-based weaning recipes your kids will love!
Because eggs are soft, babies can easily swallow and digest them. As they are highly nutritious, they are considered a good weaning choice for moms of babies aged six months.
"For the majority of infants who are at low risk of egg allergy, introducing eggs in a soft-cooked form make them an excellent, easily consumed and highly palatable 'early weaning' food," explains Dr Gray.
Here are some egg-based weaning recipes to try, moms and dads!
Sweet potato mash with soft boiled egg and broccoli puree
This delectable dish promises healthy doses of fibre, potassium, vitamins A, B6, omega-3s, calcium, and iron. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare.
You can get the full recipe here.
Scrambled eggs with pea puree
This recipe is best for moms in a rush, as it only takes 10 minutes to whip up!
On top of the health benefits of eggs, the goodness of peas is also in this recipe. Peas are known to be plentiful in dietary fibre, iron, zinc, protein, magnesium, folate, vitamins C, K, B1 and B2, and more.
You can get the full recipe here.
Avocado and cauliflower scrambled eggs for babies
This 17-minute recipe promises your baby healthy doses of nearly 20 different vitamins as well as potassium, folate, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and protein.
You can get the full recipe here.
Junior egg fried rice
This baby-friendly version of an Asian family favourite is packed with iron, zinc, protein, dietary fibre, magnesium, folate, vitamins C, K, B1 and B2, and a whole lot more.
You can get the full recipe here.
Poached egg on pureed peas
All it takes is about 11 minutes to prepare and cook this scrumptious dish. Because it is prepared with greek yogurt, it promises lots of vitamins, minerals and probiotics for your growing baby.
When preparing meals for your family, remember to serve cooked eggs immediately. If you plan to serve them later on, refrigerate them, but make sure to reheat them thoroughly.
Don't leave cooked eggs for more than an hour outside the refrigerator.
What egg-based recipes does your family love? Let us know in the comments below.
Sources: Farming UK, Healthline, Egg Recipes UK, Nutrition Bulletin Journal
READ THIS ALSO: An age-by-age food guide for your little one’s healthy brain development
Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore