Baby Nutrition: is Extra Virgin Olive Oil suitable for Babies & Kids Diet?

pure evoo olive oil for babies and kids - baby nutrition

Nov 30 2024

Baby Nutrition: is Extra Virgin Olive Oil suitable for Babies & Kids Diet?

Is Olive Oil (Especially Extra Virgin Olive Oil) Good for Children’s Nutrition?

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a nutritional powerhouse, benefiting people at all stages of life. However, it plays a particularly crucial role during early childhood. Here’s why EVOO is considered a vital addition to a child’s diet:

A Perfect Match for Early Nutrition

Extra virgin olive oil closely resembles breast milk in both composition and digestibility. No other vegetable oil comes as close to mimicking breast milk, making EVOO an ideal source of fat for growing babies.

The high content of Vitamin E in EVOO supports:

Bone growth
Brain development
Nervous system formation

Many reputable organizations, such as the Spanish Pediatrics Association, the Spanish Society of Cardiology, and the World Health Organization (WHO), advocate for using EVOO over other fats, citing its critical role in the Mediterranean Diet and its health benefits for children.

How EVOO Supports a Child’s Health

Digestive System

Extra virgin olive oil is gentle on the stomach and aids digestion by:

Being the most stomach-friendly fat
Enhancing nutrient absorption
Reducing gastric acidity and preventing ulcers
Stimulating pancreatic function, thanks to the presence of triolein

It also improves bowel function, which:

Reduces constipation
Aids in cases of absorption issues, such as those associated with breastfeeding or certain intestinal disorders

Cardiovascular System

Rich in healthy fats like monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid) and smaller amounts of Omega-6 and Omega-3, EVOO helps maintain heart health by:

Reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol and boosting “good” HDL cholesterol
Lowering blood pressure and minimizing the risk of clotting
Preventing conditions like arteriosclerosis, heart disease, and brain thrombosis

Unlike seed-based oils (e.g., corn or sunflower), EVOO offers better cholesterol regulation, making it a preferred fat for children’s diets.

Bone Growth and Nervous System Development

EVOO is a key player in:

Stimulating bone growth
Enhancing calcium absorption and bone mineralization, leading to stronger skeletal development

Its balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids supports the nervous system. For breastfeeding mothers, consuming EVOO enriches breast milk with these essential fats, contributing to the baby’s cognitive and nervous system development.

Additionally, EVOO helps:

Delay neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s
Protect cells from aging, thanks to Vitamin E and antioxidants like polyphenols

Other Health Benefits of EVOO

Diabetes Management: EVOO slows glucose absorption, preventing blood sugar spikes in children with diabetes.
Healthy Skin: Vitamins E and A in EVOO keep the skin healthy and protect it from environmental damage.
Cancer Prevention: EVOO shows protective effects against several cancers, especially breast cancer.
Vitamin Boost: EVOO provides essential vitamins, including:
- Vitamin A: Strengthens immunity
- Vitamin D: Promotes bone health and prevents rickets
- Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant and fertility booster
- Vitamin F: Stimulates growth and maintains fatty acid balance
- Vitamin K: Supports blood clotting and prevents hemorrhage

Olive Oil Benefits for Babies

A Pediatrician’s Perspective: Olive Oil in the Nutrition of Babies and Children

Olive oil is a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine, playing a central role in the meals of families, including children. Its nutritional benefits make it a key dietary component during childhood and adolescence.

Olive oil can be safely introduced as soon as your baby is ready to begin eating solid foods, which is generally when they are 6 months old. It’s quite easy to use olive oil in almost any food given to toddlers and older children – it’s important to work on your baby’s timeline – and not anyone elses.

The Role of Fats in Childhood Nutrition

Fats are essential during the developmental years, providing a vital source of energy and supporting various physiological processes. In childhood and adolescence, fats should comprise around 30% of daily calorie intake, a proportion that gradually reduces to 20-25% in adulthood.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Not all olive oils are created equal. For optimal nutrition, especially for children and babies, cold-pressed organic extra virgin olive oil is the best choice. EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) is produced purely through mechanical pressing of the olives, the fruit of the olive tree, without any additives or further processing and has an acidity of less than 0,8% – therefore retains the full nutritional profile of olives, making it superior to other oils.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Infant Diets

Extra virgin olive oil is particularly beneficial during weaning. Its gentle properties make it highly digestible for babies’ developing digestive systems, while its protective effects on the intestinal walls help reduce gastric acidity. It also eases constipation and supports healthy bowel movements.

Crucially, olive oil supports growth by promoting bone development and nervous system maturation. When added to baby food, it enhances the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K.

Omega-3s and Cognitive Development

Extra virgin olive oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are critical for brain function, neuro-psycho-motor development, and retinal health. In the early stages of childhood, before fish can be safely introduced, olive oil serves as an excellent source of these vital compounds.

How to Use Olive Oil for Children

For toddlers and young children, olive oil is best consumed raw, drizzled over meals. However, it can also be used in cooking due to its high smoke point of 220°C, making it suitable for frying — though fried foods should be consumed sparingly.

Portion Recommendations

Despite its numerous benefits, olive oil is calorie-dense, so portion control is essential. Pediatricians typically recommend limiting consumption to two tablespoons per day for children. This amount can gradually increase as they grow, reaching three tablespoons daily for adults (around 30 g of EVOO).

In summary, extra virgin olive oil is a powerhouse of nutrients that supports the growth and development of children. Its inclusion in their diet from an early age lays a foundation for lifelong health and wellness.

In Summary

Extra virgin olive oil isn’t just a kitchen staple; it’s a cornerstone of child nutrition. By introducing EVOO early in life, parents can support their children’s growth, brain development, and overall health. As part of a balanced diet, EVOO helps build a foundation for lifelong wellness.

EVOO Olive Oil is suitable for all kinds of cuisines, and it makes a wonderful ingredient in baby food, thanks to its excellent nutritional properties. Scientific studies from all over the world prove the amazing health benefits of extra virgin olive oil, thanks to its high content in oleic acid, beta-carotene and provitamin A, as well as other antioxidants and phytosterols.

Pediatricians and opinion leaders from the health field recommend its consumption since the baby starts having purées with salty foods (at around 6 months old), within a diversified diet that is also adapted to the child’s age.

International organizations such as the WHO (World Health Organization) or the FAO (UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization) recommend the consumption of olive oil since a very early age.

Health benefits of extra virgin olive oil in the nutrition of babies and infants

Uses of olive oil in the daily routine: olive oil is known to make baby skin smooth, shiny, and healthy. It is a pretty good manicure lotion and a perfect moisturizer for baby’s skin. The oil has regenerative power over skin tissues and helps in keeping the skin toned.

Olive Oil for baby constipation

How to relieve constipation in babies quickly. Olive oil is a superstar among other oils due to its numerous health benefits. You can consider it a treasure chest full of good health and fitness. We often read and hear how much it is suitable for hair, skin, and many more. It will be a wonder to know that it is also very beneficial for the babies. Use it to keep your baby healthy, especially if your baby has constipation. Constipation is common in babies, and the parents are familiar with how much it is painful and frustrating for the babies. You can use olive oil to treat the constipation of your baby.

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Baby Nutrition: is Extra Virgin Olive Oil suitable for Babies & Kids Diet?