Oils for Proper Growth and Development During Childhood

Fats and oils are essential for the proper growth and development, especially during infancy and childhood. They are required for proper development of the brain, the nervous system, eyes and skin. Fats are essential for providing energy during infancy and childhood.  Generally, young children should be receiving between 30-40% of their calories from fat. Mother’s milk and most infant formula’s provide 40-50% of their energy as fat. Fats are required not only as energy source but also provide essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) and also the fat soluble vitamins to the body. The fat soluble vitamins are vitamin A, D, E and K.

These essential fatty acids are vital structural elements of cell membranes and, therefore, instrumental in the formation of new tissues in the fetus and the child. These fatty acids also play an important role in the synthesis of growth hormone, essential for proper growth and development in children. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), one essential fatty acid found in some oils, is  crucial for the development of brain, nervous system and retina. Proper development of the brain and the nervous system begins as early 6 months of age and continues throughout childhood and adolescence with spurts of development identified at 2 years of age, 7–9 years of age, and during mid-adolescence. AA (arachidonic acid), another essential fatty acid, is vital for proper development and functioning of brain, muscles and liver.  Both these fatty acids are also essential for skin, eye and heart health. The deficiency of these fatty acids and fat soluble vitamins, especially during periods of growth can cause, mental slowing, delayed milestones, skin and eye problems in children. These may also be the cause of heart problems later in life.

Studies have shown that proper intake of these fatty acids by women during pregnancy improve birth weight, length and body composition of the infants and help in prevention of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Proper intake of the essential fatty acids during childhood has been shown to improve verbal learning ability and memory in children.

Some essential fatty acids are found only in animal products and algae, for example, fatty fish (tuna, salmon, fish oils), eggs and algae are good sources of these fatty acids. Oil/seeds that contain the good amounts of some essential fatty acids include flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds, canola and soy. Oils such as corn, sunflower, palm, olive, and coconut are also high in some essential fatty acids.

1. Corn Oil: Cold-pressed corn oil may have a lower smoke point, but possess the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that have various health benefits.

• Corn oil is a good source of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which may be helpful in brain proper      development.
• It also contains flavonoids and carotenoids, which are good for the eyes and the skin.
• Corn oil also contains vitamin E, A, and xanthines in some amounts, which have many health benefits.
• It contains phytosterols and linoleic acid, which may promote heart health.

Corn oil can be used for:

• Sautéing and frying
• Baking cakes, bread and for other baked foods.

2. Sunflower Oil: Sunflower oil is obtained by pressing seeds of the sunflower plant.

• Sunflower is an excellent source of Vitamin E, many other nutrients and some essential fatty acids which are considered to be beneficial for the skin, hair and help to treat sleep disorders in children.
• Sunflower contains an amino acid tryptophan which is converted to melatonin in the body. Melatonin is the hormone that helps children to sleep peacefully.

Cold pressed sunflower oil can be used for:

• Stir-frying
• Sautéing and as
• Salad dressing

3. Palm Oil: Palm oil is derived from palm nuts.

• Palm oil contains palmitic acid, an essential fat for infant development that is also found in breast milk. This is why palm oil is easily assimilated by infants and children.
• It is absorbed more effectively and assists in rapid growth and development of the brain and the nervous system in young children.
• Palm oil is a good source of saturated fatty acids, which is important for the formation of nerves in infants and children.
• It also contains vitamin E and beta-carotene. Adding red palm oil to the diets of children or during pregnancy reduces the risk of vitamin A deficiency leading to better eyesight. This is because red palm oil has high amounts of β-carotene.

Palm oil can be used for:

• Frying
• Baking foods

4. Olive Oil: The health properties of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) are attributed to the fatty acid, vitamin and polyphenolic compounds found in it.

• Consumption of EVOO by mother’s during pregnancy boosts the new born baby’s immune system and help against inflammatory diseases in the early stages of life.
• Olive oil also has been shown to promote brain development due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids in it.
• The vitamins in olive oil are vitamin A, D and E. Vitamin A is important for healthy eyes, vitamin D for healthy bones and E is for healthy skin and hair in children.
• Some studies have shown that the consumption of olive during childhood reduces  the risk of developing diseases like obesity and heart disease during adulthood.

EVOO can be used to make all kind of foods for the children, especially:

• Baked foods
• Mayonnaise
• Finger snacks and even
• Shallow fried snacks

5. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil, contains medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) and is one of the richest sources of lauric acid.

• MCTs are directly absorbed in the small intestines without undergoing any modification during digestion. For this reason it can be used as a primary source of energy for children, especially those suffering from malnutrition or any problems related to the digestive system.
• The fats in coconut oil are cardio-protective, meaning they do not cause any heart related diseases and does not increase blood cholesterol levels.

Generally oils with a smoke point above 200⁰ C are better suited for frying but as the smoking point of coconut oil is around 177⁰ C, it is better suited for:

• Shallow frying
• For salad dressings and
• For making salad dressings and mayonnaise

Dietary fats should not be restricted for children under the age of two years, as this is a critical time for brain development, for which fat is essential. They are important sources of energy and essential fatty acids and vitamins vital for the proper growth and development of the children.

Apart from uses in cooking, these oils can also be used for skin and hair care, in moisturizers and as oils for nourishing the hair. Some of these oils have antifungal and anti-bacterial properties, such as coconut oil. Olive oil is used for making certain medicines, beauty and massage products. Similarly sunflower oil can be used to remove dark circles from under the eyes.

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Learn more about healthy food choices, healthy oils, from us. For more information and diet consultations call at 9650180098, 9810181098 or write to healthynudgez@gmail.com.