The phrase “baby food” typically conjures up s of pureed pears and bits of banana. What food doesn’t often come to mind? Bacon. But with an impressive profile of macro- and micronutrients, I’m here to tell you why it should.
Babies grow at a rapid rate and have important nutrient needs in order to support their development. According to research, a baby’s brain grows from being 25% of its adult size to being 80% of its adult size by age three. The brain is making important connections that let its cells talk to each other during this time of growth. To do this, it needs foods rich in nutrients like iron, zinc, and protein. Other parts of the body are also developing at the same time and need a lot of these nutrients, as well as vitamins A, B12, C, and D, calcium, iodine, and omega-3 fats.
Kids’ stomachs aren’t very big, so making sure they get foods that are high in these nutrients is a smart way to make sure they get what they need to grow and develop. It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of “baby food,” but animal proteins are a great way to give a growing baby the nutrients and calories they need. Which brings us back to the topic at hand: bacon.
It’s important to remember that when we talk about the benefits of bacon, we’re talking about good uncured bacon made from pork that was raised in a responsible way. Like all food, quality matters. And there is evidence that higher-quality meats, like pasture-raised pork, have better nutrition than meats that are raised in a conventional way. Conventional production systems typically involve permanent indoor housing that restricts the movement and behavioral expression of animals. In free-range and organic systems, animals like pigs can go outside and do things like exercise, search for food, dig holes, and explore. This helps them grow and be healthy.
Just like humans, when pigs have access to good quality food and exercise, they are healthier animals. “You are what you eat” is an old saying, but there is a new one that goes along with it: “you are what you eat eats.”
This idea was looked into in one study, which found that higher-quality meat does have better nutrition than conventionally raised meat. It was discovered that pig meat from free-range systems has more omega-3 fatty acids and a better (lower) ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids than pig meat from intensive systems. Omega-3 fats are good for babies’ brain and heart health, but most diets don’t have enough of them and have too many omega-6 fats. This imbalanced ratio can feed inflammation and contribute to other health concerns. The study also found that pastured pork has more iron and vitamin E than conventionally raised pork. Iron and vitamin E are both very important for baby growth and development.
Because of these things, Serenity Kids made its Uncured Bacon with Organic Butternut Squash and Kale pouch. They get high-quality pasture-raised pork from trustworthy ranches and process the meat in a way that doesn’t harm the nutrients. When pork is cured, the smoke and salt draw out water, which makes the nutrients more concentrated and gives the meat more fat and protein per ounce. One pouch delivers a tremendous bang for your (nutritional) buck.
You can bring home the bacon even if you’re worried about the sodium and nitrates. Serenity Kids Uncured Bacon baby food is made with only a small amount of sea salt, which has trace minerals that are good for all bodies, big and small. In addition, as it is uncured, it contains no added nitrates or nitrites.
You can be sure that Serenity Kids pouches contain only the finest foods. Whether you make your own food or use Serenity Kids, make sure to fill your child’s small stomach with whole, nutritious foods that will help them grow and develop during their very important first few years.
https://thousandday hs.org/why-1000-days/building-brains/ Serenity Kids Baby Nutrition Quickstart Guide Nutritional Benefits of Higher Welfare Animal Products, June 2012 report
Hillary Bennetts is the founder and owner of Purposeful Plate Nutrition. A member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, she provides nutrition consulting services to individuals and businesses. Hillary went to Washington and Jefferson College and got her BA in economics. She also has an MBA from Emory University and an NC from Bauman College. A marathoner, mountain climber, and mama, she lives in Colorado with her husband, son, and golden retriever.
Bacon is a breakfast staple loved by kids and adults alike But is loading up your child’s plate with crispy bacon actually good for them? This article examines the potential benefits and downsides of kids eating bacon
Potential Benefits of Bacon for Kids
Here are some of the positives associated with children eating bacon in moderation
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Protein – 2-3 slices provide 6-9g of protein for growth and repair. The amino acid profile delivers all 9 essential amino acids.
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B Vitamins – Bacon contains small amounts of niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, riboflavin and thiamin to support energy and red blood cell production.
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Selenium – Bacon provides this essential antioxidant mineral, though the amount can vary based on the source.
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Zinc and phosphorus – Muscle repair, immune function, and bone health benefit from these bacon nutrients.
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Fat energy – Primarily from monounsaturated fat, bacon’s high fat content keeps kids feeling full. In moderation, it may support growth.
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Flavor – Kids love bacon’s smoky, salty, savory flavor profile. It makes other foods like vegetables or eggs taste better.
As with any food, the key is moderation. When limited to 1-2 pieces per serving a few times a week, bacon can add flavor, fat energy, and nutrients to a child’s diet without going overboard on sodium or saturated fat.
Potential Downsides of Kids Eating Bacon
However, there are some possible health concerns with regular bacon intake for kids:
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Nitrates – Bacon cured with sodium nitrite may pose health risks including cancer. Look for uncured or nitrate-free bacon.
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Saturated fat – Too much can lead to obesity and heart disease later. Limit bacon to 1-2 weekly servings.
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Sodium – Excess sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure. Opt for lower-sodium bacon options.
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Heme iron – Bacon’s iron content may increase gut cancer risk. Pair bacon with vitamin C foods to blunt the effect.
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Processed meat – Frequent intake is tied to increased chronic disease risk. Use bacon as a flavor enhancer, not a main protein source.
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Toxicity – High salt and fat before age 5 may program kids’ taste preferences. Use strategically as a treat.
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Allergies – Though rare, pork allergies do exist. If any post-bacon symptoms appear, talk to a pediatrician.
While moderate intake seems fine for most kids, these potential downsides are worth considering, especially for young children.
Tips for Choosing and Serving Bacon to Kids
Here are some tips to make bacon a more nutritious addition to your child’s diet:
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Look for uncured, nitrate-free, and lower sodium options to limit risks.
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Serve just 1-2 slices per child at a meal a couple times per week at most.
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Pair with veggies high in vitamin C like tomatoes, oranges, sweet potatoes or bell peppers.
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Add to omelets, sandwiches or baked potatoes instead of serving bacon alone.
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Roast or bake instead of frying to reduce fat and acrylamide formation.
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Combine with healthy fats like avocado or olive oil instead of sugary syrups.
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Offer turkey bacon or lean prosciutto as lower fat/sodium alternatives.
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Avoid giving bacon to kids under age 2 due to cancer and toxicity risks.
The Bottom Line
Overall, occasional bacon in moderation can add flavor, fat energy, protein and some micronutrients to a child’s diet. However, excessive intake is tied to health dangers. Limit to 1-2 pieces, 2-3 times per week prepared in a healthy way. Most importantly, ensure your kids eat a balanced, varied diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, fiber and lean proteins. With smart and limited incorporation, bacon can be part of a healthy diet for kids.
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By: Hillary Bennetts
The phrase “baby food” typically conjures up s of pureed pears and bits of banana. What food doesn’t often come to mind? Bacon. But with an impressive profile of macro- and micronutrients, I’m here to tell you why it should.
Babies grow at a rapid rate and have important nutrient needs in order to support their development. According to research, a baby’s brain grows from being 25% of its adult size to being 80% of its adult size by age three. The brain is making important connections that let its cells talk to each other during this time of growth. To do this, it needs foods rich in nutrients like iron, zinc, and protein. Other parts of the body are also developing at the same time and need a lot of these nutrients, as well as vitamins A, B12, C, and D, calcium, iodine, and omega-3 fats.
Kids’ stomachs aren’t very big, so making sure they get foods that are high in these nutrients is a smart way to make sure they get what they need to grow and develop. It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of “baby food,” but animal proteins are a great way to give a growing baby the nutrients and calories they need. Which brings us back to the topic at hand: bacon.
It’s important to remember that when we talk about the benefits of bacon, we’re talking about good uncured bacon made from pork that was raised in a responsible way. Like all food, quality matters. And there is evidence that higher-quality meats, like pasture-raised pork, have better nutrition than meats that are raised in a conventional way. Conventional production systems typically involve permanent indoor housing that restricts the movement and behavioral expression of animals. In free-range and organic systems, animals like pigs can go outside and do things like exercise, search for food, dig holes, and explore. This helps them grow and be healthy.
Just like humans, when pigs have access to good quality food and exercise, they are healthier animals. “You are what you eat” is an old saying, but there is a new one that goes along with it: “you are what you eat eats.”
This idea was looked into in one study, which found that higher-quality meat does have better nutrition than conventionally raised meat. It was discovered that pig meat from free-range systems has more omega-3 fatty acids and a better (lower) ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids than pig meat from intensive systems. Omega-3 fats are good for babies’ brain and heart health, but most diets don’t have enough of them and have too many omega-6 fats. This imbalanced ratio can feed inflammation and contribute to other health concerns. The study also found that pastured pork has more iron and vitamin E than conventionally raised pork. Iron and vitamin E are both very important for baby growth and development.
Because of these things, Serenity Kids made its Uncured Bacon with Organic Butternut Squash and Kale pouch. They get high-quality pasture-raised pork from trustworthy ranches and process the meat in a way that doesn’t harm the nutrients. When pork is cured, the smoke and salt draw out water, which makes the nutrients more concentrated and gives the meat more fat and protein per ounce. One pouch delivers a tremendous bang for your (nutritional) buck.
You can bring home the bacon even if you’re worried about the sodium and nitrates. Serenity Kids Uncured Bacon baby food is made with only a small amount of sea salt, which has trace minerals that are good for all bodies, big and small. In addition, as it is uncured, it contains no added nitrates or nitrites.
You can be sure that Serenity Kids pouches contain only the finest foods. Whether you make your own food or use Serenity Kids, make sure to fill your child’s small stomach with whole, nutritious foods that will help them grow and develop during their very important first few years.
Citations:
https://thousandday hs.org/why-1000-days/building-brains/ Serenity Kids Baby Nutrition Quickstart Guide Nutritional Benefits of Higher Welfare Animal Products, June 2012 report
Hillary Bennetts is the founder and owner of Purposeful Plate Nutrition. A member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, she provides nutrition consulting services to individuals and businesses. Hillary holds a BA in Economics from Washington and Jefferson College, an MBA from Emory University, and an NC from Bauman College. A marathoner, mountain climber, and mama, she lives in Colorado with her husband, son, and golden retriever.
“Bacon is good for me!”
Is Bacon a healthy choice?
Some super fans claim bacon is a healthy choice because it has “good fats.” It’s true that some positive omega-3 fatty acids in it are also in olive oil, a nice-list staple. The amount of saturated fat in bacon, though, is huge compared with other sources.
Should you eat bacon?
You’re fine if you move bacon from the star of the meal to guilty pleasure status. It’s best to choose poultry, fish, and beans for your main proteins, McCullough says. If you do eat red and processed meats, go for the lean cuts and keep servings small. Bacon has been getting a bad rap in the health world.
Is Bacon a good source of protein?
3. Bacon is a good source of high-quality protein. With 30% of calories coming from protein, bacon isn’t the most protein-dense food. However, it is a good source of high-quality protein, which means it contains a good balance of amino acids (including all the essential amino acids), and the protein is highly digestible.
What should you know about bacon?
Here are some of the things you should know about bacon. 1. Bacon is not just empty calories. Believe it or not, bacon is not just a vehicle for empty calories. Now, let’s not stretch that to say that bacon is the next “superfood,” but surprisingly, bacon is good for you because it’s fairly nutritious.
Does Bacon make everything better?
Bacon makes everything better—including diet quality. Bacon is a mealtime hero. It’s downright tasty, and part of the reason bacon is good for you is because it makes pretty much everything (including veggies) better. For example, when you think about bacon, what comes to mind?
Is Bacon a healthy fat?
This is the same fatty acid that olive oil is praised for and generally considered “heart-healthy” ( 1 ). Then about 40% is saturated fat, accompanied by a decent amount of cholesterol. The remaining fat in bacon is 40% saturated and 10% polyunsaturated, accompanied by a decent amount of cholesterol.