Introduction
There’s a lot of confusion about what exactly you can feed your baby, as a parent, I was very careful when introducing my children to solid foods and always wanted to make sure they were getting the nutrients they needed.
But as a nutritionist, I know there is no substitute for breast milk or formula when it comes to building strong bones and teeth, so it’s important that parents find other food sources that are safe and nutritious for their little ones, that’s why I’ve decided to address this one particular question: can babies eat cinnamon.
Cinnamon Is Really Just The Inner Bark Of A Tree
Cinnamon is actually the inner bark of a tree, which is dried and ground into powder, the two types of cinnamon are cassia and Ceylon. Cassia is the most common form of cinnamon, but it’s not considered to be as pure as Ceylon. Ceylon has a more mild flavor than cassia, so you may want to use either one depending on your personal taste.
Cinnamon is a very popular spice, but it’s also one that can be confusing to use, it can be used in many different ways, and each way will produce different results.
The most common way to use cinnamon is in baking, you’ll often find it in cinnamon rolls, cookies, cakes, and other desserts. It’s also used commonly as a spice for making chai tea and mulled wine. Cinnamon can be used as a garnish on top of many dishes or even added to coffee or hot chocolate for extra flavor.
The Active Ingredient In Cinnamon Is A Compound Called Cinnamaldehyde
It’s found in many spices, like oregano and thyme and it’s also what gives cinnamon its strong smell and taste.
The health benefits of cinnamon are tied to this compound. It’s been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon also contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which may help protect against cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
It Has Been Shown To Protect Against Food Poisoning And Bacterial Infections
Cinnamaldehyde, the chemical compound responsible for cinnamon’s flavor and smell, has been shown to have anti-bacterial properties. It has also been shown to have anti-fungal and antimalarial effects.
Cinnamaldehyde is also believed to be effective against parasites like roundworms, as well as viruses such as Hepatitis C and HIV, Cinnamaldehyde is also believed to have anti-cancer properties.
The FDA Considers Cinnamon Safe For Children Over 2 Years Old, But Not Younger
According to the FDA, cinnamon is safe for children over 2 years old, however, the FDA recommends that pregnant women avoid consuming cinnamon, the FDA does not consider cinnamon safe for children under 2 years old.
The FDA has not issued a warning against consuming cinnamon during pregnancy, however, it does recommend that pregnant women avoid eating large amounts of cinnamon because of the link between spice and liver damage. The FDA also recommends that pregnant women consult with their doctors before taking any herbal supplements.
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that the FDA considers cinnamon safe for children over 2 years old, but not younger than that, as always when introducing new foods to your baby, make sure they have been tested and are approved by your pediatrician or family doctor.
