Among the Indian spices, turmeric is the most trending because of its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. According to Ayurveda, turmeric balances all the “doshas” or faults, cleanses the blood, removes toxins from the body, enhances digestion, keeps the nervous system healthy and the skin glowing.
Turmeric’s uses and benefits are mostly because of a major component called curcumin, the main active ingredient in the spice. This makes Turmeric a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic, and hence great for asthmatic children. Boil a cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of turmeric in it and give it to your child once a day. It will remove mucus and relieve chest congestion, allowing the child to breathe easy.
Turmeric helps battling against common skin infections like rashes, acne and itching. You can mix honey and turmeric and apply the paste on the site of the infection. To treat fungal infection in children, mix one teaspoon turmeric powder with one teaspoon Aloe Vera and apply it over the infected area.
A research published in the American Journal of Epidemiology showed that people who consumed turmeric regularly had better cognitive functions. Turmeric can help the developing brain of children and boost academic performance.
Turmeric decongests the nasal tract and stops nosebleeds. Mix ghee with turmeric and apply on the inner lining of the nose. This helps clear the sinuses and restores the sense of smell. For relief in conjunctivitis, take one part turmeric and mix it with 20 parts clean water. Dip a clean cloth in this solution and cover the eyes. This will keep the eyes healthy, clear and pain-free.
Now that you know the benefits, here’s how to add turmeric to your little one’s diet. Ensure that your child has been introduced to solid foods.
Nutritional Facts
What makes turmeric a wonder spice is that it is nutritionally rich for one and all! It’s equally helpful for an elderly person suffering from arthritis and a child with asthma. A tablespoon of ground turmeric offers 29 calories, nearly a gram of protein, 2 grams of fiber and 6 grams of carbohydrates. It contains minerals such as manganese, phosphorus and potassium.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database, one tablespoon of turmeric powder contains:
29 calories
0.91 grams (g) of protein
0.31 g of fat
6.31 g of carbohydrates
2.1 g of fiber
0.3 g of sugar
That same 1-tbsp serving provides:
26 percent of daily manganese needs
16 percent of daily iron
5 percent of daily potassium
3 percent of daily vitamin C
Wow!
Please keep in mind that feeding turmeric in any form to new born babies is not safe. You can only feed it to infants after they start consuming solid foods. We would recommend adding turmeric to your child’s diet from when he/she is 6-9 months old.
Have an interesting turmeric tip for kids that we somehow missed out? Do share it with us so we can share it with everyone else!
Some frequently asked questions have been answered below for you!
You ask and we answer!
Q.1 Can I give turmeric to my child? (Vimmi Singh, Chandigarh.)
Turmeric in its powdered form is safe for children and a great addition to their diet, but not necessarily needed daily.
Q.2 Can toddlers eat turmeric? (Mukti Sarin, Noida.)
Yes! A small amount of turmeric at a time is totally safe for your toddler. It's a great spice for palate training your little one to be an adventurous eater.
Q.3 Is turmeric safe to take daily? (Pooja Nambiar, Indore.)
Turmeric is safe for most people when consumed in amounts found in food. But turmeric can have side effects when taken in large doses.
Q.4 What is turmeric good for? (Namrata Shah, Mumbai.)
Turmeric contains a yellow-colored chemical called curcumin, often used to color foods and cosmetics. Turmeric is commonly used for conditions involving pain and inflammation, such as osteoarthritis. It is also used for hay fever, depression, high cholesterol, a type of liver disease, and itching.