Diet and exercise habits during childhood and adolescence can make the difference between having a healthy lifestyle and being at risk of diseases in later years. Nowadays, dietary changes and an increasing tendency towards sedentary lifestyles are contributing to a rise in certain diseases related to nutrition. The Spanish Association of Paediatrics (AEPED) emphasises the importance of maintaining the eating habits associated with the Mediterranean diet, in which olive oil plays a key role.

The abundance of beneficial effects the consumption of olive oil has on our health has been scientifically proven. Here are a few examples:

• It is a vital food for pregnant women in order to aid fetal development.

• What's more, during the breastfeeding stage it is important that the mother has high levels of vitamin E to guarantee that the baby is supplied with enough. Olive oil is rich in vitamin E and it contains essential fatty acids which are similar to those found in breast milk.

• Our bodies produce very few vitamins themselves, so it is necessary to eat food that can provide us with them. Extra virgin olive oil contains vitamins A, D, K and E, which are crucial to intellectual and physical development in childhood.

• It contains significant quantities of oleic acid, which helps the absorption of calcium, leading to better calcification, growth and mineralization of the bones. For this reason, its inclusion in a child's diet is strongly recommended.

• Its low degree of acidity promotes good digestion and in addition, its content of oleic acid helps to  improve intestinal transit.

• Oleic acid helps to protect against the build-up of cholesterol.

Here is a list of the recommended intake of extra virgin olive oil for the different stages of development:

The period of transition from 6 months of age: When vegetables are introduced to the baby's diet, it is recommended to start with potato and carrot and add a tablespoonful of olive oil to the purée to improve its palatability.

From 2 -6 years of age: It is recommended to use extra virgin olive oil as the principal fat in the child's diet. Therefore, it should always be used for frying and seasoning dishes.

The rest of childhood and adolescence: Extra virgin olive should continue to be used as the main fat in food preparation, with a suggested dose of around 3 tablespoonfuls per day.