Olive oil has been around for centuries, but its benefits for babies are frequently overlooked. It’s time to make sure olive oil is on your shortlist for your little one. Here, we’ll give you the facts about olive oil for babies and offer 6 proven benefits that you can’t ignore.
Here’s what we’ll be covering:
· Olive oil’s origin
· Nourishment for the skin
· Aid for digestion
· A source of healthy fats
· Relief for constipation
· Healthier hair
If you want to make sure your little one is getting the best care possible, it’s time to switch from conventional baby oils to olive oil.
Olive oil has long played a role in the traditional lifestyle of many cultures, especially in the Mediterranean. Olive trees have been cultivated in this region for over 6,000 years, and olive oil has been used for a multitude of purposes, ranging from cooking and cosmetics to medicine.
Olive oil is hypoallergenic and highly tolerated by babies’ skin, so it makes sense that it has been used for centuries to nurture and nourish delicate skin. Studies have also shown that olive oil helps the digestion of certain foods, provides a source of healthy fats, which are crucial for brain development, and helps to relieve constipation in babies.
But that’s not all. If you want your baby’s hair to be soft, healthy and beautiful, olive oil can help with that too. Applying a few drops of olive oil to damp hair before your little one’s bath can help to moisturize and protect their hair, leaving it shiny and full of life.
In the following sections, we’ll look in more detail at how olive oil can contribute to your baby’s health and wellbeing. So, let’s get started!
Benefit #1: Improves Digestion and Relieves Constipation
If you want your little bundle of joy to have proper digestion, you may want to consider incorporating a few drops of olive oil into their daily diet. Olive oil is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that aids in digestion and has been shown to help babies pass stool more easily.
Babies can face digestive issues due to a variety of reasons such as an underdeveloped digestive system, switching to solid foods, and not drinking enough breast milk or formula. Olive oil helps alleviate these issues as it contains monounsaturated fats that aid digestion and the absorption of nutrients.
If your baby is dealing with constipation, you can try massaging their belly with a few drops of olive oil on your fingertips while using circular motions. Olive oil helps relax the muscles in the digestive tract and helps relieve constipation.
A study published in 2014 by the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition found that olive oil helped improve stool consistency and frequency in infants with constipation. Another study by Dr. Uday C. Ghoshal and his colleagues found that olive oil helped reduce the duration of diarrhea and had a better effect on stool frequency compared to other oils.
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when using olive oil for digestion and constipation relief:
- Always use extra virgin olive oil as it is of the highest quality and contains the most nutrients.
- Start with a tiny amount of olive oil and gradually increase the dose over time.
- Do not replace breast milk or formula with olive oil and always check with your pediatrician before trying any new remedies with your baby.
Benefit #2: Boosts Brain Development
You may have heard that breastmilk is excellent for your baby's brain development. But did you know that olive oil can also work wonders? Let me explain how.
Olive oil contains a crucial nutrient called choline. Choline is an essential nutrient that helps with brain development in children. It supports the growth of brain cells and helps with the development of cognitive functions like memory, learning, and focus.
It's time to get technical - choline is an integral part of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for sending signals between nerve cells. Choline helps in the formation of the myelin sheath - a fatty covering that protects nerve cells and facilitates speedy signaling between neurons.
But that's not all!
Olive oil is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which play a vital role in brain development. They help reduce inflammation, which can damage cells and tissue in the brain. Omega-3 fatty acids also assist in the formation of the brain cells themselves.
Studies have shown the undeniable benefits of these nutrients for brain development in babies. Researchers in Spain found that babies who were regularly fed olive oil demonstrated better cognitive development than those who weren't. The study also found that babies' scores in attention, memory, and visual recognition were higher.
Tips and Tricks:
- If you're a breastfeeding mother, consume olive oil as it will transfer the nutrients to your baby through your breast milk.
- As your baby starts eating solid foods, add a teaspoon of olive oil to their meal to help with brain development.
- Try using olive oil in your homemade baby food recipes instead of other oils.
You see, the wonders of olive oil aren't limited to cooking. Its benefits for brain development in babies make it a valuable addition to your baby's diet. By providing choline and omega-3 fatty acids, you're giving your little one a headstart in cognitive development that will last a lifetime.
Benefit #3: Benefits Skin and Hair Health
If you're looking for the best natural way to keep your baby's skin and hair healthy, you can't go wrong with olive oil. Here's why.
Olive oil is a fantastic moisturizer for the skin. It's packed with antioxidants and healthy fats, which help soothe dry, itchy skin. Additionally, olive oil's benefits to the skin aren't limited to moisturizing. It also has antimicrobial properties, meaning it can help fight against harmful bacteria and fungi.
Furthermore, olive oil is safe for use on sensitive skin, making it a perfect alternative to lotions and creams that contain fragrances, dyes, and other chemicals that can irritate delicate skin.
But here's something you might not know - olive oil is also great for your baby's hair! To be more precise, it helps with cradle cap - a common condition that affects many babies. Cradle cap causes flaky, scaly patches on a baby's scalp, and it can be challenging to treat. But applying olive oil to your baby's scalp can help soften and loosen the patches, making them easier to remove.
Tips and Tricks:
- Apply a small amount of olive oil to your baby's skin after bath time for smooth, moisturized skin.
- For cradle cap, gently rub a few drops of olive oil into your baby's scalp, then rinse with baby shampoo.
- Try using olive oil in your homemade diaper rash cream recipe.
If you're worried about using olive oil on your baby's skin or hair, don't be! Several studies have confirmed that olive oil is safe and effective in promoting healthy skin and hair in babies. Just make sure to avoid using too much, as a little goes a long way.
Benefit #4: Enhances Bone Development
Healthy bones are vital for a baby's growth and development. And, you guessed it, olive oil can help with that too! Here's how.
Olive oil contains a high amount of vitamin K, and Vitamin K plays a crucial role in healthy bone formation. Vitamin K is essential in the production of osteocalcin, a protein that helps with bone density and strength.
This is especially important for babies as their bones form and grow rapidly during the first two years of their lives. Adequate levels of vitamin K can help prevent skeletal issues like osteoporosis later in life.
But vitamin K isn't the only nutrient in olive oil that enhances bone development. Olive oil also contains essential fatty acids - like omega-3's, that help with the absorption of calcium. Calcium is a key nutrient for strong, healthy bones, and omega-3's help the body absorb it more effectively.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use olive oil in your baby's pureed vegetable recipes to help with calcium absorption.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil to your baby's mashed fruits like banana or apple for an extra boost of vitamin K.
- Speak with your pediatrician about giving your baby a vitamin K supplement alongside olive oil.
It's essential to note that while olive oil can help with bone development, it shouldn't replace a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. However, adding olive oil to your baby's meals can be an excellent addition to support healthy bone development.
Several studies have highlighted the benefits of olive oil in enhancing bone health not only in babies but also for children and adults. A review study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that olive oil has a beneficial effect on bone turnover and encourages healthy bone formation.
Benefit #5: Strengthens Immunity
As a parent, your top priority is keeping your baby healthy, and olive oil can help with that too! Here's how.
Olive oil contains a potent antioxidant called polyphenols, which can help boost the immune system. Polyphenols help neutralize free radicals in the body, which can damage healthy cells and increase the risk of infection.
But that's not all! Olive oil is also rich in Vitamin E - an essential nutrient that helps support the immune system. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning it helps repair damaged cells and boosts the immune system by producing T-cells.
Tips and Tricks:
- Add a tablespoon of olive oil to your baby's food to help strengthen their immunity.
- Use olive oil in your baby's smoothies for a quick and easy immune-boosting snack.
- Use olive oil as a part of a healthy and balanced diet.
Studies have shown that olive oil can indeed help strengthen the immune system in babies. In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that adding olive oil to the diets of mice boosted their immune systems and made them more resistant to infections. While this study was on mice, the findings carry relevance for human immune health as well.
It's important to note that while olive oil can help strengthen the immune system, it's just one piece of the puzzle. A healthy and balanced diet, proper sleep, and regular exercise, along with olive oil consumption, can help support a healthy immune system.
Benefit #6: Fights Inflammation
Inflammation can be a sign of stress in your baby's body, and if left unchecked, it can cause disease. Luckily, olive oil can help reduce inflammation and prevent disease. Here's how.
Olive oil is rich in healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These healthy fats have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, olive oil contains an antioxidant called oleocanthal, which has anti-inflammatory properties similar to NSAID drugs like ibuprofen.
But here's the secret - to maximize the anti-inflammatory benefits of olive oil, you should be using it in your cooking regularly. Many of the flavorful meals and snacks that we already love can be made healthier and more anti-inflammatory simply by using olive oil as the base.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use olive oil instead of butter in your baby's mashed potatoes, vegetables, and other meals.
- Use olive oil as a marinade for your baby's favorite protein, like chicken or fish.
- Use olive oil to dress salads and veggies instead of store-bought dressings.
Incorporating olive oil into your baby's diet can help reduce inflammation and prevent disease in the long run. Many studies have shown the benefits of olive oil in fighting inflammation, including a review of studies published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Here's a recipe to get you started - try making homemade baby food by roasting sweet potatoes and carrots in olive oil, then blending them into a smooth puree. The healthy fat content in olive oil helps with the absorption of carotenoids from the sweet potatoes and carrots, which have anti-inflammatory properties of their own!
Conclusion
It's easy to see why parents are turning to natural remedies like olive oil for their baby's health. The proven benefits of adding this delicious and healthy ingredient to your baby's diet are undeniable. From relief from colic and teething discomfort to strengthening the immune system and fighting inflammation, the benefits of olive oil are too good to ignore!
Tips & Tricks:
- Use extra-virgin olive oil for more health benefits.
- Incorporate olive oil into your baby's diet gradually, as a part of a healthy and balanced diet.
- Try making homemade baby food with olive oil as a base.
- Use it in marinades, salads, soups, and smoothies - the possibilities are endless!
The bottom line is that incorporating olive oil into your baby's meals can be an easy way to boost their health in the long run. As we've seen throughout this article, there are countless proven benefits of using olive oil for babies - so don't wait any longer - start using it today!