As your child grows through their first few years of life, it’s fun to introduce them to new things. You get to show them the joy of going down a slide, learning to dance, and eating new foods.
Kids have to be introduced to new foods gradually, depending on how many teeth they have and how old they are. A piece of a chicken nugget or a spoonful of ice cream is sure to make them smile, but what about the softer foods, like honey?
Many parents think honey is safe for kids because it’s all-natural, but children younger than two years old should never eat it. They could contract bacteria that cause infant botulism unless they’re around two years old.
Read on to learn five honey health benefits for children over two. It could be what they need to grow and develop into their preschool and kindergarten years.
1. It Increases Energy
When kids eat sugary foods, every parent knows to watch out for the energy boost and eventual sugar crash. Sweet foods are fun to eat and occasionally celebrate with, but they spike the blood sugar levels in your child and ultimately leave them more exhausted.
Honey is a natural sweetener that doesn’t contain sugar. The sweeteners in honey are digested more slowly, which is easier on blood sugar. Your child is less likely to develop Type 1 diabetes if their blood sugar is well regulated with easily digestible foods like honey.
2. It Protects the Liver
Even if your child only eats a teaspoon of honey each day on their toast, their liver will be extra-protected. Honey has anti-toxin properties that stop toxin production in the body, starting with the liver. It’s easily absorbed before removing and protecting against toxins they may introduce into their system.
3. It’s Easy to Digest
Kids should grow up with the safest and best options in life. Introducing them to all-natural honey after they turn two is an easy way to transition them to organic solid foods. Kids of all ages benefit from organic products, especially when those products are food. Organic honey is also affordable since it’s naturally occurring and not a specialty item.
4. It Heals Coughs
Young kids are more prone to acute coughs because they’re still developing their immune systems. If your two-year-old develops a cough, give them honey. It’s been shown to work faster than cough suppressants, which will be more expensive anyway. Mix a teaspoon or two into warm water and give it to your child to drink daily until the cough has gone away.
5. It Has Vitamins and Minerals
Does your child dread taking their daily vitamins? They may enjoy a spoonful of honey more. Studies have proven that honey contains vitamins and minerals that help a child’s growth, including the development of their GI system and their heart.
Experiment With Recipes
Honey helps and protects kids over two years old in a variety of ways, so make it a fun experience for them by experimenting with recipes. Use it in drinks, on toast or in muffins to create a sweet and satisfying way for your kids to benefit from all that honey has to offer.