There are so many benefits
of olive oil for children that more and more parents, teachers and
nutrition experts are encouraged to include this little treasure of nature in
the diet of the youngest.
This star product of
the Mediterranean diet possesses a wide variety of properties and
substances that are not only good for little ones, but also for adults.
Encouraging children
to take advantage of the benefits of olive oil is more important today than
ever, as 44% of Spanish children abuse industrial bakery products, according to
a study on Health and Wellbeing in Childhood published by the DKV
Institute for Healthy Living.
In addition, the
countries of the Mediterranean area are the ones with the highest proportion of
obese children in the whole European continent.
These latest data
were taken from an analysis conducted by the World Health Organization's (WHO)
European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative.
The study also showed
that Italy, Cyprus, Spain, Greece, Malta and San Marino lead Europe in child
obesity.
A disease to be taken
into account because excess weight can lead to cardiovascular problems,
hypertension and diabetes, among other ailments.
It is for all this
that achieving that the little ones of the house take advantage of the benefits
of the olive oil and combine it with the consumption of other healthy and
nutritious ingredients has at present a great importance in the Spanish homes.
What are the benefits
of olive oil for children?
Although olive oil is
very beneficial for both children and adults, it is important that children do not
consume more than three tablespoons a day.
Providing an extra
dose of energy and vitality
One of the benefits
of olive oil lies in its power to fill the body with energy, something it
achieves due to its richness in essential fatty acids.
Thanks to them the
children have the opportunity to start the day with vitality and have
enough energy to go to school, do homework at home and practice sports or some
other type of extracurricular activity.
Reducing bad blood
cholesterol levels
Olive oil contains vitamin
E, essential fatty acids and antioxidants; three components that are
responsible for reducing levels of bad cholesterol in the blood and preventing
the onset of cardiovascular disease.
Combat constipation
Constipation can
affect both children and adults. If you want to improve the intestinal
transit you can combine a healthy and varied diet with the consumption of a
spoonful of extra virgin olive oil on an empty stomach.
This simple gesture
is fantastic for activating the intestines, ending constipation and reducing
belly swelling in a healthy, simple and natural way.
Satiate your appetite
Satisfying hunger and
reducing the desire to eat is another of the benefits of olive oil, a
great advantage because it prevents children from stinging between meals and
consuming unhealthy ingredients.
Activate blood
circulation
Consuming olive oil
on a daily basis is also ideal for activating blood circulation thanks to its
high doses of omega 3 fatty acids, which improve the health of the
circulatory system of large and small.
Helping children grow
up healthy and strong
If you can get your
children to consume olive oil on a regular basis, they will be able to grow
healthy and strong, since we are dealing with an ingredient of natural
origin that provides infinite nutrients and vitamins to the body.
If you want your
children to take advantage of the benefits of olive oil for children,
remember to start including this ingredient in your diet from pregnancy.
In this way you will
take care of your health and, in addition, you will favor the good fetal
development thanks to the vitamin E, that also takes charge of
protecting to the babies of the asthma and of certain allergies.
When it comes to
offering this complete food to the little ones, there is nothing better than
encouraging them to delight the palate with a few slices of fresh tomato
seasoned with a pinch of sea salt and a splash of extra virgin olive oil, as it
offers a much higher quality than refined olive oil.
Remember, however,
that consuming a spoonful of this small wonder of nature on an empty stomach is
the best way to make the most of its many benefits.
If you want your
children to enjoy good health you can encourage them to combine the benefits of
olive oil for children with the consumption of some foods to combat fatigue.
Source: Wikiduca