Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum):
Fenugreek is a plant with green leaves and pods containing small golden seeds. The powder and seeds of this plant are highly nutritious and slightly sweet. Fenugreek contains fiber, protein, iron, manganese, and magnesium. It increases appetite by soothing stomach discomfort and relieving constipation. Consumption of fenugreek in children helps with weight gain.
Chicory (Cichorium intybus):
Chicory is a plant beneficial for soothing stomach discomfort, indigestion, and stimulating appetite. The inulin in chicory has prebiotic properties (nourishing beneficial gut bacteria) and helps relieve constipation. Chicory is traditionally used as a tonic for the heart, digestive system, stomach, and liver.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis):
Rosemary is a small shrub with thick aromatic leaves, used as a flavoring in cooking. It has carminative and antispasmodic properties. This herb also has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects. Rosemary possesses antioxidant properties, though its antioxidant effects are less than green tea but greater than vitamin E.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa):
Turmeric is a popular spice, especially in Asia. It helps relieve heartburn and intestinal problems such as diarrhea, intestinal gas, and bloating. It is also beneficial for liver and gallbladder issues. This spice contains yellow compounds called curcuminoids, responsible for many of turmeric’s properties.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale):
Ginger is a medicinal plant that grows in tropical regions. It is very helpful for treating nausea and vomiting and can reduce constipation, gas, and stomach acid. Many of ginger’s benefits are attributed to a compound called gingerol.
Iron:
Iron is essential for many vital processes in the body, including growth and development, normal functioning of the neuromuscular and immune systems. This element is necessary for the production of red blood cells and, consequently, for oxygen delivery to cells. Brain cells at all ages use iron for their activities, which is why children with iron deficiency have lower IQs and cognitive, sensory-motor skills, concentration, and memory impairments. Iron deficiency in children also leads to decreased natural growth (height and weight) and loss of appetite. Additionally, children with iron-deficiency anemia are more susceptible to infectious diseases because their immune system cannot effectively fight pathogens.
Iodine:
Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones, which regulate many vital body functions, including protein synthesis and enzymatic activities. Moreover, iodine is necessary for the development of the nervous and skeletal systems in fetuses and infants. Iodine deficiency in children is associated with cognitive impairment, and reduced levels of thyroid hormones in the body lead to weakness and fatigue.
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D plays an important role in regulating cell growth, the function of the neuromuscular and immune systems. This vitamin also increases calcium absorption and helps in bone growth. Vitamin D deficiency in infants and children leads to rickets (softening of bones).
