Why introduce olive oil into children's diets?

Olive oil has numerous properties and vitamins essential for the growth of babies and children.

Promoting quality of life and healthy eating for children is a constant concern for mothers and fathers. From the food introduction phase, when little ones must try all foods, until the end of childhood, it is necessary to promote a varied menu.

Therefore, offering different nutrients to children can help with their physical, cognitive and intellectual development, in addition to protecting against diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases. And one of the main allies for this is olive oil.

A source of monounsaturated fat and vitamins A, D, E and K, olive oil can be included in children's diets from 6 months of age, along with other foods and breast milk.

Continue reading this article to learn about the benefits of this product for children and how to introduce it into your little ones’ diet.

Benefits for children

Olive oil is one of the most consumed foods around the world, due to its numerous health benefits . And for children, it can be a valuable ingredient for healthy and balanced growth.

This food is a source of energy, helps prevent inflammation and strengthens the immune system.

Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), present in olive oil, contain oleic acid, a compound that plays a fundamental role in controlling children's cholesterol levels, preventing the emergence of hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol).

Vitamins A, D, E and K have different actions in your body.

• Vitamin A - It increases immunity, helps in the body's defense, contributes to the proper functioning of the eyes and promotes the child's growth and development.

• Vitamin D - Improves calcium absorption, helping to strengthen bones.

• Vitamin E - Protects the heart, blood vessels, nerves and lungs against pollution.

• Vitamin K – Finally, this vitamin helps with blood clotting, stimulating the processing of proteins in the body.

How to introduce it into children’s diets?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , babies should continue to be fed breast milk until they are two years old to guarantee the nutrients necessary for healthy growth.

However, olive oil can be added, in small quantities, to children's diets from the sixth month onwards to prepare meals or as a complement to snacks, enhancing the flavors and making them more interesting for little ones.

When introducing food, it is recommended to include olive oil in baby food and recipes with vegetables, meats, greens and fruits to help the child understand the different textures, aromas and flavors of food.

It is important that consumption is up to 15 ml per day, being introduced little by little to familiarize yourself with the product.

Don't know how to include olive oil in your children's diet? See two delicious recipes that we’ve put together to help you!

Broccoli baby food with olive oil

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 apple, pear or potato, cut into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method of preparation:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 inches of water to a boil over medium heat.
2. Place the broccoli and apple/potato/pear in a steamer basket and place over boiling water, cover and steam for 8 to 10 minutes or until the broccoli and apple are tender. Reserve the steamer water. Let it cool a little.
3. Add the broccoli and apple to a blender or food processor.
4. Add olive oil to a blender or food processor.
5. Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes or until smooth, adding 1/4 cup liquid (reserved water, fresh breast milk or formula).
6. Mix with broccoli puree.
7. Serve to your baby or freeze for a later meal.

Roasted Vegetable Soup with Olive Oil

Ingredients:

• 3 carrots cut into cubes
• 1 green garlic, washed and cut into pieces
• 1 small sweet potato, peeled and cut into cubes
• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into cubes (discard the seeds)
• 1.5 liters of vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Method of preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, mix the vegetables with the herbs and olive oil.
3. Add the vegetables to a baking dish. Cover with parchment paper and aluminum foil to prevent the vegetables from drying out.
4. Cook for approximately one hour, until the vegetables are golden and soft.
5. Puree the vegetables in a food processor or blender, adding broth as needed to homogenize the mixture.
6. Turn off the heat and serve the portion.

Before starting to introduce olive oil into your child's diet, whether at the beginning or throughout childhood, it is important to talk to your pediatrician to advise on the best way to start this phase.

Which olive oil to use?

The most recommended olive oil for children, and also for adults, is extra virgin olive oil.

According to the International Olive Council (OIC) , this type of olive oil is suitable for consumption as it has a free acidity, expressed as oleic acid, not exceeding 0.8 grams per 100 grams.

Furthermore, it has the main properties for a more balanced and healthy diet.

Find the ideal extra virgin olive oil for all children's nutritional stages at Lagar H.
Our products are made in a careful, conscious and responsible production process. Guaranteeing olive oil without sensory defects and with unique aromas and flavors. Find out more about Lagar H at Our site .