When we think of Pumpkin, the first vision that our minds conjure is that of the infamous ‘Jack O’Lantern’ that it symbolizes during Halloween time. Not forgetting to mention, not all that far behind is that lip smacking Pumpkin Soup we relish every now and then, especially on a cold winter’s day!
Truth be told, there’s far more to that Pumpkin, or ‘Squash’ as it is commonly called by some, than most of us think. For the purposes of this article, we will concern ourselves with Pumpkin for Babies, and how the superior Nutritional Value of Pumpkin necessitates that we include more of it in Baby’s diet.
Certainly, no ‘Trick’ when it comes to this delicious ‘Treat’ for our little ones, vis a vis the overall well being of our little ones!
Get ready to immerse yourself in the ‘inner machinations’’ of that Pumpkin we see so much of during Halloween. At the end of reading this article, we can assure you of one thing. That the sense of awe you erstwhile had for the exotic ‘Pumpkin’, is taken to the next level!
Table of Contents:
- Pumpkin for Babies: The Nutritional Value of Pumpkin
- The Benefits of Pumpkin for Babies
- Pumpkin for Babies: Lip Smacking Puree Recipes
Pumpkin for Babies: The Nutritional Value of Pumpkin
Ask any Botanist what a Pumpkin should be classified as, and they will tell you this: It is a ‘Fruit’!
It’s true. Just like its infamous counterparts – the exotic Avocado and even the modest Tomato – the pumpkin has ‘seeds’ that technically make it a fruit.
The Benefits of Pumpkin for Baby, are indeed far more than we might be led to believe. That’s because of all the essential nutrients it is laced with, like the following.
- Potassium and Magnesium
- Vitamin Kick
- Carotenoids
- Dietary Fiber
These essential ‘minerals’ ensure good Bone and Heart Health for Baby
Want Baby to get their daily dose of Vitamins? Have them eat a slice of Pumpkin! Pumpkins are laced with vitamins – Vitamin A that is good for Eye Health, and Vitamin C that ensures sound Immunity.
Of course you’ve noticed the bright orange colour of pumpkin, that’s similar to the kind we see in carrots, right? That’s because of the ‘carotenoids’ they contain, which are antioxidants that get converted into that very ‘Vitamin A’.
Last but not the least, if you’re looking for a good source of fiber to feed Baby, you need not look further than that good old Pumpkin!
Note: If you want to introduce pumpkin as a food to your little one, the appropriate time to do it would be when they are around 6 months old. That is, when you are gradually weaning them off breastmilk or formula.
The Benefits of Pumpkin for Babies
If that Nutritional Value of Pumpkin in the earlier section has given us any indication, it’s that the Benefits of Pumpkin for Babies are indeed far-ranging. If you have ever asked yourself the question ‘Is Pumpkin good for Babies’, you will find the answer here.
- Great for the Eyes
- Helps regulate Metabolism
- Helps Baby Sleep Better
- Great for Digestion
- Improving Immunity
Just like we touched upon earlier, perhaps the colour ‘orange’ does have something to do with boosting ‘vision’, after all.
Cool Fact: Apart from boosting vision, pumpkins can also help reduce an eye condition called ‘macular degeneration’.
That ‘potassium’ in pumpkin we touched upon earlier? It helps regulate Baby’s metabolism.
Cool Fact: A mere single cup of pumpkin is laced with 560 mg Potassium. That’s enough to cover Baby’s daily requirement of this vital mineral!
Bonus Fact: Potassium is also integral towards ensuring proper ‘muscle’ functioning.
Apart from the wonderful nutrients listed above, the pumpkin also contains ‘tryptophan’, which helps Baby’s body produce more ‘serotonin’.
Cool Fact: it is Serotonin that is responsible for bringing on a ‘calming sensation’, that helps lull baby to sleep.
That fibre in the pumpkin? It’s what’s responsible for good digestion in your little one, thus ensuring they are never ‘constipated’.
Sadly, in the case of our babies, Cough and Cold season is always around!
Cool Fact: Apart from the Vitamin C that pumpkin is rich in, it also has beta-carotene that helps prevent other, long-term diseases like diabetes.
Pumpkin for Babies: Lip Smacking Puree Recipes
It’s time to carve that pumpkin, but not quite in the way we do during Halloween!
Presenting some delicious puree recipes using pumpkin, that will be irresistible for Baby!
Pumpkin Puree Recipe #1: Mashed Pumpkin and Apple Puree
This one takes the goodness of both Pumpkins and Apples, to create a delicious puree that’s great for starting Baby off on their pumpkin-eating journey.
Ingredients
- 1 pumpkin
- 3 apples (peeled)
- A hint each of cinnamon and nutmeg
- Water
Instructions
- Cut the pumpkin into cubes, after you have peeled and deseeded it.
- After slicing the apples, add them to the pumpkin cubes and place them in a steamer basket, Then introduce this into a pot of water that you set to boil.
- With the pan covered, cook till both fruits are soft.
- Taking the pan off the heat, set it aside to cool for some time.
- Voila! Your Mashed Apple and Pumpkin Puree is ready to serve to Baby. Now is the time to sprinkle those ‘hints’ of nutmeg and cinnamon.
Pumpkin Puree Recipe #2: Carrot, Corn and Pumpkin Puree
If you want to take the nutritional value of pumpkin puree to another level, try this wonderful recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 pumpkin
- 2 carrots
- Corn
- Water
Instructions
- After chopping the pumpkin and carrots, place them in a steamer basket before putting it in a pot of water to boil.
- You want to steam the ingredients until they are soft.
- Now is the time you want to add that corn, before steaming the mix a tad more.
- Transfer the ingredients to a blender, and blend till you get that creamy puree!
If that ‘Jack O’Lantern’ seemed magical to you before, we are sure we have only enhanced that element of ‘mystique’, with our deconstruction of the beloved Pumpkin. Bring Halloween home earlier, by making sure the Pumpkin finds its rightful place in the ingredients in your kitchen! You will find Baby craving for more of this exotic fruit, in no time at all!
References:
- Children’s Hospital of Orange County
- UT Southwestern Medical Center
https://health.choc.org/health-benefits-of-pumpkin/
