Sweet Potato: How & Why To Include It In Your Baby’s Diet

January 16, 2015

Sweet potato one of those go-to foods for fitness buffs. Full of fiber, it is more filling than conventional health foods, and packs in considerable amounts of vitamin B, C and D, potassium, iron, magnesium and sodium. What’s great is that you can turn this tuber into a scrumptious sweet, savory or spicy dish as per your choice.

Surprisingly, it isn’t very common as baby food yet. But it makes for a very nutritious option for the little ones, especially because it is mild and sweet. Here’s why you must include it in their diet as well.

Why To Use Sweet Potato:

1. Boosts The Immune System
Babies have a weaker immune system, which makes them prone to illnesses easily. Sweet potato is packed with ample amounts of vitamin C, making it a perfect as an immunity booster to keep toddlers healthy and strong.

2. Pumps Up The Energy Levels
Feeding your baby this vitamin D-rich food will make them feel more energetic, and will also strengthen their bones. Sweet potato is also known to support heart health.

3. Rich Source Of Iron
Babies are prone to common illnesses and weather-related health conditions. Adding sweet potato to their meals will amp up the production of white blood cells in their bodies as well as prevent anemia. This will make their system stronger and ward off diseases.

4. Aids Digestion
The root vegetable has high fiber content, which helps the digestive tract and supports the bowel movement. It helps in digestion, especially if your child suffers from constipation.

How To Cook Sweet Potato:

Baking is the best way to prepare sweet potato as baby food. This brings out its natural sweetness and flavor, while retaining most of the nutrients. Feed it to babies aged six months, and above.

Ingredients:

2 medium sweet potatoes
1 cup boiled water or fresh stock

Directions:

Using a fork, poke holes in the sweet potatoes, and wrap them in a tin foil.
Place them in an oven at 400 degrees, and bake for 30 to 60 minutes, or till they’re soft.
Once done, wait for them to cool completely. Cut lengthwise and scoop out the flesh.
Add the chopped pieces in a blender with a liquid of your choice (leftover water from boiling the sweet potato, or fresh vegetable stock).
Blend until smooth.

This puree is a great, natural alternative for packaged baby food.