Abstract

TRADITIONAL SIDDHA WEANING FOOD FOR CHILDREN: A REVIEW

M. Amala, MD(S)*, S. Arulpriya, MD(S), V. Sudha, MD(S), S. Poonguzhali, MD(S)., A. M. Amala Hazel, MD(S), Ph.D

ABSTRACT

Weaning is the tenure when breastfeeding is been reduced and slowly infant start consuming solid or semi solid food. It is a very pivotal period in an infant‟s life cycle, it helps to grow a child healthy as well as it helps a baby to evolve food habits, gaining weight and finally getting matured. The weaning process begins when baby takes food with the help of spoon or any other means than breast feeding– whether it‟s formula from a bottle or mashed banana from a spoon. Child weaning is very important and same will affect baby‟s growth later in his whole life. Breast feeding contain the required amount of energy and nutrition for a normal growth of an infant, but that will be sufficient only for initial 5 to 6 months, after that infant requires extra supplements. Weaning food must have the adequate amount of protein, energy and other required nutritions. This review explains about the traditional weaning food habits, preparation and practice eg. Ragi Millet Milk, Irumurai Vaditha Kanji, Chukku Mudi Kanji, Ethan Plantain Powder for Babies.

Keywords: Weaning, Traditional food preparation, Siddha, Children.