Can I Give My Baby Salmon?

Can I Give My Baby Salmon?

Salmon is well known freshwater fish that is regarded as being healthy given that it has high contents of proteins, Omega-3, and vitamin D. The fish is popularly served smoked, however, the popularity of canned salmon is increasing. Salmon is a huge source of omega-3 for the development of your baby’s eye and brain.

Salmon is considered a nutritious food. Salmon is a fatty fish that contains multiple nutrients, which reduces the risks of contracting various diseases. The fish is versatile, tasty, and readily available for consumption.

Many parents do not know whether to give their babies salmon or not. Can I Give My Baby Salmon? It is a question that many lack an answer to. Yes, you can introduce your baby to salmon once he is six months old and above. Before introducing your baby to salmon, consider the family’s history allergy to foods. If the family has allergies for fish, then do not give your baby salmon. But if there are no instances of allergies in the family, then you can give your baby salmon.

When giving your baby salmon, ensure that it is thoroughly cooked to prevent viruses and bacteria that can emerge from undercooked salmon. Make sure that before you provide your baby salmon, ensure that it is well minced and deboned to prevent a choking hazard. Ensure that you give your baby small amounts of salmon and gradually increase with time. You need to limit the intake of salmon to your baby. Give your baby salmon thrice a week.

Immediately after introducing your baby to salmon, ensure that you watch for signs of allergy to it by your baby. If you notice there are allergic reactions, then stop giving your baby salmon.

Salmon has a wide range of health benefits for your baby. They include:

1. Reduces inflammation and blood pressure

Salmon contains a long chain of omega-3 acids, including DHA and EPA.  100g of salmon has around 2.3 grams of omega-3. Omega-3 is an essential nutrient for the growth and development of your baby. It decreases inflammation, reduces the risk of contracting cancer, lowers blood pressure, and improves the functionality of cells that are in line with the arteries of your baby. Give your baby salmon thrice a week to supply him with enough omega-3 acids that are essential for his growth and development. Salmon will make your baby grow stronger and healthier.

2. Growth and development

Salmon contains high protein content, which is essential in playing various roles in the body. The proteins in salmon will help your baby to heal fast after any injury; it protects the health of bones of your baby and maintains muscles in case of weight loss. Salmon provides around 30 grams of high-quality protein. This implies that giving your baby salmon will make him grow fast. Salmon provides your baby with 25 grams of proteins per 3.5 ounces served.

3. Reduces risks of heart disease

Salmon contains a high content of Vitamins B, which includes thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid,  folic acid, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin B6. 3.5 ounces of salmon contains all these Vitamins. The vitamins are essential in various processes taking place in the body of your baby. They are fundamental in converting the food that your baby eats to energy. This implies that giving your baby salmon will help him become strong as it helps in saving other foods taken by the baby to energy. Salmon provides your baby with vitamins that are essential for the creation and repair of DNA strands in his body. Furthermore, giving your baby salmon will help in reducing inflammation, thereby reducing the risks of heart diseases. Salmon offers nutrients to your baby that protect the hearth and increases the brain health of your baby.

4. Controls blood pressure

Salmon is rich in high-quality potassium. Salmon has a high content of potassium as compared to a banana, which provides 10%  RDI as compared to salmon, which provides 18% of the RDI. Potassium is vital in helping your baby to control blood pressure and minimizes the risk of your baby suffering from a stroke. Potassium significantly reduces blood pressure when added to diets that have a high content of sodium. Potassium prevents excessive water retention in the body of your baby, therefore, lowering blood pressure.

5. Enhances the health of bones

Salmon is rich in selenium mineral, which is found in certain foods and soil. Selenium is a trace mineral implying that the body of the baby needs small amounts of it. However, you can give your baby enough salmon to get enough of this mineral. According to studies, selenium will protect your baby’s bone health, reduce the risks of him contracting cancer, and decreases thyroid antibodies. Giving your baby salmon will also improve his levels of blood. 3.5 ounces of salmon provides 65% of the RDI of selenium.

6. Controls body weight

Giving your baby salmon will help him to keep off and lose weight. It consists of proteins that are essential in regulating hormones that are in charge of controlling appetite and makes your baby feel full.  This implies that your baby will reduce the frequency of eating. The omega-3 found in salmon is essential in weight loss. Salmon will further help your baby to increase the rates of metabolism.

7. Enhances brain health

Including salmon in the diet of your baby improves the functionality of his brain. Salmon also will help your baby from depressive symptoms and decrease anxiety.

8. Enhances general health

Salmon consists of astaxanthin, which belongs to the carotenoid family of antioxidants. The red pigment in salmon is due to astaxanthin. This compound lowers the risks of heart disease as it reduces the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. It also increases the levels of HDL cholesterol in the body of your baby. This implies that salmon protects your baby from the risks of contracting heart diseases.

Astaxanthin, alongside omega-3, protects your baby’s nervous system and brain from inflammation. Astaxanthin found in salmon is also vital in enhancing your baby’s skin health.

References

11 Impressive Health Benefits of Salmon (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-benefits-of-salmon)

Can I Give My Baby Salmon? (http://canigivemybaby.com/salmon/)

Fish for Babies (https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/fish-for-babies-when-to-introduce-benefits-and-recipes/)