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When it comes to kids: Five amazing health benefits of olive oil

Olive oil is esteemed around the world for its ability to nourish and heal the body’s functions. What is less known is its role as “the parent’s best friend”, thanks to its many benefits for children.

Find out the four top facts that caring parents need to know.

  1. Easy to eat – and a boon to childhood development!

Olive oil, being packed with antioxidants,  , but when it comes to the little ones above six months old, once they begin eating solid foods, there are other remarkable benefits as well.  Extra virgin olive oil contains omega 3 and omega 6 in similar proportions to breast milk, and the same level of linoleic acid, so it helps in the development of nerve fibres and brain function. It aids in gastric function, prevents constipation and colic in babies and boosts naturally occurring vitamin D’s ability to support bone health.

It’s quite easy to use olive oil in almost any food given to toddlers and older children. Parents can start adding it to a baby’s diet as soon as she’s ready for solids – just a teaspoon in their baby food. Once older, use it to cook their favourite foods.

  1. A natural moisturiser for baby’s skin

With its high content of antioxidants and vitamin E, olive oil has been used for centuries as a natural moisturiser suitable for all ages, and it’s particularly beneficial for the sensitive skin of babies. You only need a small amount, gently massaged in, to soothe a child’s skin, prevent dryness and allergies, and relax babies into sleep. This daily skin-to-skin practice between parent and infant can also be a wonderful bonding moment, which is important for the child’s physical and psychological development.

  1. Say goodbye to dandruff.

Those same moisturising qualities of olive oil can help reduce dandruff in a child’s scalp caused by dryness or irritation according to Baby Destination. Again, just a small amount is applied to the baby’s scalp and left in place for 10-20 minutes. Then wash it off with baby shampoo and warm water and comb the hair to brush out any dandruff residue. If using olive oil regularly as a scalp treatment, it will have the added benefit of nourishing the infant’s hair, making it stronger, healthier and shinier.

  1. Reducing cough

No parent wants to hear their child coughing for long periods, and olive oil is a natural alternative to overcome this. Researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center and co-workers have discovered that those back-of-the-throat receptors recognize a anti-inflammatory agent in EVOO called oleocanthal. The chemical is a potent inhibitor of an inflammatory enzyme called COX (cyclooxygenase). And that’s just how ibuprofen works to reduce inflammation.

So, as we know, olive oil provides a lot of benefits for everyone in the family, and let’s not forget that it’s “the parent’s best friend” too, whether used in cooking foods or externally when gently rubbed on the child’s tummy, back or scalp. Deoleo always encourages its customers and prospective buyers to consult their doctor regarding any questions they might have.