When we think of babies first foods to introduce, we often think of rice and cereals. But a wonderful food that not only contains a handful of nutrients but is also a food we all should be consuming daily is egg yolks.
Egg yolks are rich in choline, cholesterol and other brain-nourishing substances that are great to introduce to your baby between four and six months. Cholesterol is vital for the insulation of the nerves in the brain and the entire central nervous system. Since the brain is so dependent on cholesterol, it is especially vital during this time when brain growth and neural connections are taking place. Choline in another critical nutrient for brain development.
The best choice of eggs are those from pasture-fed hens since they will contain higher levels of DHA. Also, try to obtain eggs that are not only pasture-fed but not fed soy! Grass-fed yolks are rich sources of vitamins A, D, iron and folic acid.
You may be wondering, why not give the egg white to baby? The egg white is the portion that is most difficult to digest and most often causes allergic reactions, so wait on the egg white till after age one. The best way to prepare an egg yolk for baby is to fill a pot with water and bring the water to a boil. You want enough water to cover the egg with some to go over. Once the water is boiling, add the egg and set the timer for 4 minutes. After the 4 minutes, drain the water and cool the egg off with cold water. You will then peel the egg and get to the egg yolk. You want the egg yolk to be soft and runny. After putting the egg yolk in a bowl, add a little grated frozen chicken, turkey or duck liver to the egg yolk. My family enjoys breakfast with egg yolks each morning.