5 Spices you must include in your child’s food by Nutrionist Dhvani Shah

Dhvani Shah is a naturopathic nutritionist, speaker and author of “Don’t just feed…Nourish your childâ€_x009d_, “Super foods for Super Womanhoodâ€_x009d_ and “Jinahaarâ€_x009d_. She has done extensive research in traditional diet therapies and naturopathy and its relevance in modern context and is pioneering drugless healing and well being through her unique approach – FIMS (Food Is Medicine & Supplement). She runs the “FIMS clinicâ€_x009d_ which supports a body-mind-spirit approach. Dhvani specializes in Woman and Child Nutrition by developing specialized nutrition programs, conducting workshops, formulating nutritious recipes, writing books and newspaper articles.

India is a land known for its flora, fauna & their abundant medicinal properties. It is also the called land of spices – one of the few treasures that invaders stole took away with them. Spices and herbs native to the Indian subcontinent have by far the most miraculous healing properties. Herbs and spices have been the crux of Indian cuisine since time immemorial. Including spices like turmeric, cumin, asafoetida, chilli, carom seeds, holy basil, cinnamon etc. in everyday cooking ensures good health & well being. We now have this abundant traditional food wisdom at our disposal only to be rightfully passed on to our children. Don’t forget to read our Home Remedies for Cough & Cold.

Apart from imparting flavour & aroma to food, spices & herbs play an important role in health of your little ones.

Various spices you must include:

1. Cumin: One of the commonly used kitchen herb, cumin is known for its therapeutic benefits. Best way to use cumin is in the form of powder sprinkled over yoghurt or in lemonade. Cumin seeds help

• Improve Digestion,
• Help in Detoxification,
• Improve Immunity
• Prevent Respiratory Infections.

2. Turmeric: One of the best antibiotics available to Indians is Turmeric. Fresh turmeric rhizome or turmeric powder is

• An Excellent Antibiotic
• Anti Viral & Anti Fungal
•  Anti Biotic Food.
• Can be used to treat throat infections, respiratory infections, cold/ cough and viral fevers. Turmeric powder mixed with ginger juice and rock candy is an effective remedy for cold/ cough/ throat infections and respiratory ailments.
• Treat Bruises .
• Turmeric is widely used as a cosmetic for skin brightening.

3. Chilli/ Pepper: Fresh chillies are rich sources of vitamin C, capsaicin, phytochemicals and anti oxidants. Chilli/Pepper have the following benefits

• Nutrients are excellent to ward off cold, kill harmful gut bacteria, dissolve mucous accumulation in lungs and improve immunity.
• Chilli and pepper both fall in the pungent foods category. Most mothers are worried about giving chilli or pepper to their little ones dreading their pungency.
• However, avoiding chilli hampers the taste bud development and makes fussy eaters.
• Make sure you start feeding your child with some chilli from the age of 2 years.

4. Asafoetida/Hing:

• Commonly used as a digestive herb, hing or asafoetida has numerous health benefits in child health.
• Using hing helps relieve gas, cure bloating and prevents flatulence. I
• t’s a boon in disguise for colicky babies.
• Best used in curry, subzi preparations in combination with other spices.
• For kids below 12 months of age, asafoetida paste made using water can be applied to the belly button to help relieve gas.

5. Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like coriander, mint, parsley, basil, tulsi, thyme, rosemary etc. must be liberally used in your child’s diet.

• Loaded with vitamin A, iron, folic acid, B12 precursors and chlorophyll; these herbs are your answer to great eyesight, glowing skin, luscious hair and strong bones.