Fats are necessary to be incorporated in the diet chart of children. Giving them low-fat foods can result in them suffering from fatty-acid deficiencies.

Here are some facts about oil for kids:

• While cholesterol is not good for health as you age, there are certain forms of cholesterol and saturated fats that are necessary for the growth and maintenance of healthy tissues in children.

• Babies and children can incorporate fatty acids through cholesterol and saturated fats in the form of organic eggs, breast milk, coconut oil, meats and cream.

• Breast milk contains Omega 3 DHA which is an essential component required for the brain development of children. After a certain age, children can incorporate fish oil in their diets.

• Fish oil is said to contain omega 3 acids and whether it can positively impact children’s growth and behavioural patterns have been under scientific debate for quite some time.

• Scientific studies conducted have revealed that omega 3 acids can have several beneficial effects on a child’s mental development. The studies conducted on primary school children over a period of 6 months revealed that the children became more perceptive, calmer and showed improved reading and writing skills.

• Oils containing saturated fats help in incorporating calcium into the bones. Therefore at least 50% of a child’s diet should comprise of foods rich in saturated fat oils.

• Oils rich in cholesterol ensure the proper development of the brain and the nervous system.

• Make sure your child is not consuming food containing oils rich in trans-fat because this on the contrary is detrimental to his or her development. These oils block the utilisation of all essential fatty acids consumed by the body, affecting the immune system and give rise to diabetes and cardiac problems at a later age.

• All artificially manufactured foods such as hydrogenated oil, shortening or lard, margarine etc. are rich in trans-fats. Since these oils keep products fresh, packaged foods tend to contain a lot of trans-fats.

• Pregnant mothers are advised to consume DHA containing Omega 3 oil supplements which will increase its levels in the breast milk and thereby promote adequate brain development in children.

• Cod liver oil, also available in fish oil capsules are said to be the best form of omega 3 oil supplements. Children over 7 years can consume 250mg capsules of DHA while cod liver oil should be taken in proportion of 1 tsp. per 50 lbs. of body weight.

• While small fishes are said to contain healthy sources of oil, larger fish such as mackerel, salmon, swordfish etc. may be contaminated with mercury that can be severely detrimental to brain’s development.

• Research has revealed that fish oil is the best form of oil for our body and with age, these help in keeping us healthy promoting healthy memory and cognitive function of the brain.

Identify the type of fats you incorporate in the diet of your children. Childhood is a developmental period and if the body does not receive the necessary nutrients required, health problems tend to crop up at a later age which people don’t realise on time.