Disadvantages and Benefits of finger millet (Dawa ) for babies

Weaning is a critical period in the life of babies. What you feed your baby with this period has a great influence on their health and development.

Hence, it is paramount you take consideration healthy diet foods for your baby. One of such foods is the finger millet. This super food is well-known for its potential benefits. Even with the benefits that come with consuming finger millet , there are still few disadvantages of eating this finger millet.
what is finger millet? Finger millet is also referred to as Dawa by the North part of Nigeria. Its origin can be traced to the Indians, where it is called Raji and wildly cultivated. Finger millet is a rich source of Protein, Iron and Calcium, Vitamin C, Fiber, Amino acids, Polyphenol and many more.
Finger millet has become a common staple amongst Indian households. It can be consumed by both adults and babies.

Benefits of Finger millet for babies

Dawa is great for babies. It can be made into finger millet balls or porridge and given to your baby as preferred.

It can also be made into pancakes or purees. It is an easy add into babies meal diets.
Fights anaemia: Dawa contains essential amino acids required for healthy growth and development. It contains Iron that helps with formation of red blood cells as well as improves blood circulation. Ragi contains a sufficient amount of these essential nutrients that will help prevent anaemia for your baby.
It also contains vitamin C that increases the absorption of Iron into the bloodstream.
Improves your baby mood:
Dawa is great at reducing anxiety and depression. Feeding your baby with this superfood may assist with mood improvement and provide a calming and relaxing effect for your baby. This is because of the presence of tryptophan, an amino acid that helps with the production of serotonin. Serotonin released helps children sleep much better.
Strengthen your baby’s muscles: Ragi is one of the best foods to give babies, as it helps with strengthening of the muscles. This finger millet contains calcium in sufficient amounts, for healthy development of bones.
Boost immunity: Dawa is a great nutritious food for babies. Not only does it assist with healthy growth and development, but also boost immunity. Dawa can provide your baby immunity against common diseases. Since it takes time for babies to develop a strong immune system; foods like finger millet can help boost your baby’s immune system, and help keep infections at bay.
Relieves digestive issues: Ragi contains dietary fiber that helps prevent constipation in babies. It also allows for free bowel movement.
Helps with weight gain: Dawa contains protein and carbohydrates in high quantities. Hence, a top quality food that can help with extra weight gain. Dawa is a great food choice for babies with a very low weight.
Although highly suitable for infants and babies, you need to be cautious of the kind of powder or flour you buy for your baby.

It’s better to buy processed ones, as otherwise could cause more harm than good.

Dawa could cause cold: There is a belief by many mothers that finger millet porridge shouldn’t be fed to babies during the cold weather. As it can trigger cold. However, pediatricians recommend finger millet to be fed to babies in moderate quantities. Feeding your babies once a day during the cold weather won’t cause any harm, they say.
Ragi may increase risk of obesity: Dawa is known for promoting weight gain. However, if your baby is at risk of obesity; its best you avoid feeding your baby this finger millet.
Takes time to digest: Ragi could take a longer time to get digested, due to its high nutritional value. Hence, its best you give your little one either in the morning or at noon time, so it gets digested properly.

Conclusion:
Dawa is a great food choice for both adults and babies. It’s a great weaning food for babies. It also can be easily incorporated into diets. Dawa can be introduced to babies after six months of exclusive breastfeeding.

Avoid mixing finger millet flour with any other kind of flour, especially glutinous grains like wheat. As this may trigger allergic reactions for your baby. In some cases, may be fatal.

If you observe any allergic reactions on your baby due to this finger millet, please avoid feeding your baby with this food. Lastly, exercise portion control when feeding your baby with this superfood.

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