Being rich in vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients rye offers a lot of health benefits for your child. Some of the basic health benefits offered by rye includes stronger bone development, maintaining healthy blood circulation, aiding in digestion, ensuring a clean gut, reduces the chances of constipation and aids in the formation of red blood cells. Rye is also very rich in manganese along with phosphorous, copper, pantothenic acid (B5), and magnesium. Apart from that the presence of strong antioxidants and plant lignans will help your child prevent cancer and fatal heart diseases.

Giving Rye to Your Child

Rye as a cereal crop is very recently domesticated. Originating from a relatively wilder species of weeds rye contains various rich nutrients and vitamins from which your child can benefit. The rye which is available in the stores is normally pre-packed or sometimes stored in bulk containers. For that reason if you are planning to purchase rye for your child, while buying, make sure that the lid of the container is closed. Also make sure that there is no evidence of moisture. At home, keep rye in a airtight container and store it in a dry and cool place. Contacting with moisture will certainly hamper the quality of the food grain and also might expose the risk of getting contaminated with bacteria.

 Like all grains, before cooking whole rye berries, rinse them thoroughly under running water and then remove any dirt or debris that you may find. You can offer rye to your little one in various ways. You can make a porridge using rolled rye flakes for breakfast. Cooked rye berries can be served as a side dish alternative to rice with a variety of different meals. Make sandwiches out of rye bread instead of regular wheat breads. You can substitute some rye flour for wheat flour in your child’s favorite pancake, muffin and bread recipes.

Health Benefits of Rye

Stronger Bone Development: Rye is rich in magnesium and phosphorus and hence will definitely aid your child’s musculo-skeletal growth and development. The consumption of rye will also make sure that your little one’s teeth and nails are also well developed.

Boosts Red Blood Cells: Rye is also rich in iron which makes it a good food source to boost the level of hemoglobin in your child’s blood vessels. This helps in the formation of more and more red blood cells in your child’s body. More amounts of red blood cells will ensure that your child’s body is oxidized optimally and he/she stays energetic throughout the day and do not get tired very often.

Maintains a Clean Gut: The amount of fiber present in rye makes sure that your child’s digestive tract is clean and healthy. Fiber rich food alternatives like rye make sure that your child’s bowl movements are regular and he/she can enjoy a clean and healthy gut. The amount of fiber in rye also makes sure that your baby will not suffer from constipation or similar forms of stomach related troubles. The fiber present in rye binds with bile acids and comes out from the body in the form of feces. Since bile acids are removed, cholesterol is reduced considerably from child’s body. This helps your child’s body to remain free of toxic and the adverse effect of irregular bowl movements.

Aids in Structural Growth: Rye is a marvelous plant protein source and hence it aids in the overall growth and development of your child. The regular consumption of rye will make sure that your child is gaining the necessary protein from a low fat plant source which will aid in the overall growth and cellular development.

Prevents from Fatal Illnesses: Rye is known to work wonders on the blood vessels of your child and it will most definitely save your child from the possibility of suffering from blood sugar, blood pressure and even diabetes, later on in their lives. Niacin present in rye reduces the level of cholesterol and lipoprotein. It may also inhibit free radicals from harming your child’s tender blood vessels.  Rye is rich in a special type of phytonutrient, called plant lignans which are known to protect your child from breast and hormone-dependent cancers and also heart diseases. This kind of protective measures makes rye a top rated choice as your child’s regular cereal diet.

Precautions

Though rye is marvelous dietary alternative but at the same time they belong to group of non-scientifically established “gluten grains”. So if your child is prone to wheat-related conditions like gluten-sensitive enteropathies or celiac spruce then it is better to consult the pediatrician before offering him/her with rye. There is no gluten-free alternative of rye so before feeding your child with rye you should ascertain whether or not your child is prone to gluten related allergies and intolerance.