Health benefits of guinea corn for babies
The exact topic of this article first appeared on www.nimedhealth.com.ng
Guinea corn is referred by many in different ways. One of its popular name is “Sorghum”, from the Poacae grass family. In India, it is called “Jowar”, while in the Northern part of Nigeria, it is known as “Dawa”. Although, this staple food is native to Africa, it can be found anywhere in the world.
Guinea corn is a cereal grain that can be consumed by all. However, for the purpose of this article, this writing will focus on the health benefits of guinea corn for babies.
Nutritional value of Guinea corn
Guinea corn is packed in vitamins, minerals and proteins; essential nutrients necessary for growth and development for your babies.
As a nutrient-rich grain, guinea corn can provide your babies virtually everything they need to become healthy.
This superfood is rich in iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, cellulose, B-vitamins, calcium, zinc, manganese, dietary fiber and much more.
There are two types of guinea corn: white and red guinea corn.
Health benefits of Guinea corn to Babies
Guinea corn is a common staple in African households. For most Nigerian mothers, guinea corn is one of the first weaning foods given to babies. Here are some of the health benefits of guinea corn to babies:
Promote weight gain:
Guinea corn helps with weight gain for babies. It is one of the best and most effective way to increase the consumption of healthy calories for your baby.
This food is also loaded in carbohydrates, fats and proteins required for healthy development of your baby.
Prevent Celiac disease:
Celiac diseases is an allergic condition to gluten, found in wheat or wheat-based products. Guinea corn is a gluten-free cereal crop.
Feeding your baby with this superfood can prevent nausea, inflammation and gastrointestinal issues caused by gluten.
Prevent Obesity:
Guinea corn contains protein and fiber, that can help your baby get full and satisfied. It also helps curb your baby’s appetite; thus, prevent excessive eating and obesity.
Makes your baby healthier:
Guinea corn is a protein-rich source. Therefore, it contains ingredients that can help your baby repair and build new cells and tissues.
Increase energy:
Guinea corn is also a good source of energy. With a daily intake of one serving, guinea corn can provide your baby the needed amount of energy to stay active and happy all through the day. This is because of the presence of B vitamins in the cereal grain.
Good for healthy development of bones:
The magnesium and calcium content in guinea corn is sufficient enough to assist with the growth and development of healthy and strong bones for your baby. A combination of this food with milk will provide your baby extra calcium.
Prevent Anemia:
Anemia isn’t only a condition for adults, but also infants. This condition can slow down growth and development of your baby. Consuming guinea corn in right amounts can prevent anemic conditions for your babies.
It contains two essential minerals, copper and iron; that improves blood circulation. While iron helps with formation of red blood cells; copper increases iron absorption into the bloodstream.
Improves digestive tract:
Giving your baby guinea corn can assist with eliminating problems that come with digestion. The most common is constipation and bloating.
Prevent Cancer:
Guinea corn contains phenolic compounds that can help prevent the growth and development of Cancer.
Frequent consumption of guinea corn will inhibit the growth of tumors and cancer cells. It may also further prevent colon and breast cancer in the near future.
Stella-maris Achumba
