When it comes to the health of your little one, you don’t want to compromise and wish to give the best to him. We are aware of the magnificent benefits of using olive oil in cooking. It is a great option for eating healthy food. But most of us are not aware that its health goodness is not only limited to the adults but it can be as healthy for your little toddler too. Since it is good for skin, hair, and overall health, it has become very popular and can be spotted in many households. Let's find out some of the amazing benefits of olive oil for baby food.

Olive Oil for Baby Food

Olive oil is a multipurpose oil which is extracted from whole olives. The skin and the digestive system of the babies are soft and developing respectively, making it imperative for the parents to carefully use the ingredients for the food they cook for them. Olive oil contains rich and nutritious elements like monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and vitamins. You can start feeding olive oil to your baby once he is 6 months old. It will be even better if you can use extra virgin olive oil for baby food. Extra virgin olive oil is made without using any chemicals and temperature treatments. The olive used in extra virgin oil is carefully chosen and processed in the best way. Parents must keep in mind that should not feed olive oil in excess to their child as it can upset their stomach and cause diarrhoea.

Best Benefits of Olive Oil for Baby Food

#1. Rich in vital nutrients

Olive oil is an antioxidant which is rich in monounsaturated fats, Vitamins A, Vitamins C, Vitamins D, Vitamins E, Vitamins K, and Vitamins B. Olive oil has about 55% to 83% of oleic acid which is responsible for the growth and development of the child’s brain. Olive oil is also rich in monounsaturated fats which is good for the heart and the pancreas of the baby. Also read: Home Remedies To Cure Cold And Cough For Babies

#2. Anti-inflammatory

Olive oil is also an anti-inflammatory, which acts as a great help to the asthmatic babies. It prevents asthma in the babies and those who already have asthma, it helps to lessen the severity of the disease.

#3. Good Hydrant

Olive oil is a good hydrant and helps to keep the digestive system, skin, and overall health of the baby in place.

#4. Relieves Colic

Olive oil can help soothe a colic baby. Just apply some warm olive oil on the stomach of the baby by moving your hands clockwise. It also helps pass gas.

#5. Treats constipation

Olive oil is good for stomach and helps your baby to pass stool easily. It acts as a laxative and a regular consumption of olive oil softens the stool. However, make sure not to use olive oil as a medicine to treat constipation as it may cause diarrhea.

#6. Good for skin

Olive oil significantly contributes to glowing and healthy skin. However, you should not look at olive oil as a miracle potion that can treat damaged skin. It does not treat the effects of eczema, in fact, can cause more trouble as the oleic acid found in olive oil, can dehydrate your baby’s skin. Always ask your pediatrician before applying the olive oil to your baby’s skin.

#7. Good for nails

Olive oil penetrates to the nails through the skin. It helps to strengthen the nails and keeps them healthy and shining. Also read: Benefits of Massage For New Mom

#8. Good for hair

Olive oil is good for hair too as it helps in making it healthy and strong. It is common for the infants to have flaky head skin called cradle cap which looks like dandruff. The olive oil can remove these cradle caps and make the head skin and hair soft and easy. Olive oil is also known to treat the severe cases of yellow patchy scalp. If you massage the baby scalp with some olive oil and then remove it using a soft brush after 15 minutes, you will observe that the cradle cap has reduced considerably.

#9. Rashes

Another common problem the babies have is a diaper rash. The rash can be red, bloody, and swollen if severe. You can apply olive oil mixed with water in 2:1 ratio on the infected area and let it rest for some time. Later wipe it with a damp cloth. You may have to repeat the process 2-3 times a day to lessen the problem.

#10. Treats cough and cold

Olive oil is warm in nature and hence is beneficial for the kids in cold and cough. It is one of the best home remedies, far better from the medicines, as per the American Academy of Pediatrics. The message of the olive oil on the chest and the back of the baby can soothe a cough and cold. All you have to do is to mix some olive oil with a few drops of other natural oils like eucalyptus or peppermint and apply the same on your baby. It will help your baby sleep peacefully.

#11. Helps gain weight

Olive oil is high in calories and hence can help to increase baby weight especially in the case of premature babies. Also read: 11 Amazing Benefits of Postnatal Massage for the Mother and Baby Want to share your experience as a mom with other moms through words or images? Become a part of the Moms United community. Click here and we will get in touch with you

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