Healthy Fats for Babies & Kids

Why is Fat Important?
1. Fat is one of the major macronutrients required for the healthy overall development of babies and toddlers.
2. Fat in the body is used as fuel and helps the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Ex. Vitamin A required for good vision, Vitamin D for bone health, Vitamin E for skin, Vitamin K for healing wounds.
3. Fat is also a source of energy for growing kids.
4. Fat helps in brain development, skin health, immunity, and digestion.
Check the below useful links from our blog
- Can I give Biscuits to my baby? When to give biscuits?
- 21 Best Foods for Healthy Weight Gain in Babies
- Can I give my baby Traditional Ghutti or Suttu Khara?
- Say No to Processed Baby Foods – Know the Dangers
Types of Fats
There are three types of Fats – Unsaturated Fat, Saturated Fat, and Transfat.
1. Unsaturated Fats
Healthiest – Nuts, Seeds, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Tofu –Vegan Paneer, Avocado, Fish, Corn, Soybean, Peanuts, etc.
2. Saturated Fats
To be taken in moderation – Full-Fat dairy, grass-fed meat, coconut oil, ghee(60% saturated fat), etc.
3. Transfat
Better Avoided Completely – Found in processed foods like biscuits, candies, noodles, and mostly all junk foods.
How much Fat does your child need?
Children aged between 1-3 years should have 30-40% of their total calories come from fats-which is about 39 grams of fat per day for every 1,000 calories consumed. This need not be calculated on a daily basis but a weekly requirement needs to be taken care of.
Are thin-looking kids not getting enough fat?
Not really. Kids don’t have to be chubby to be healthy. If they are active, reaching milestones on time, eating and drinking well – there is no need to worry at all. Fat in their body is used in the form of energy for activities. Even if your child is always been on the 5% percentile it is ok until they drop the curve, I mean they should not lose weight suddenly. As always doctor is the better judge, unnecessary overfeeding can do more damage.
Let me add a word of caution here when overdone fats can lead to weight gain or obesity and an increased risk of associated health problems.
Video: Healthy Fats for Babies & Kids
- Video in Hindi – बच्चों के लिए स्वस्थ वसा का महत्वपूर्ण
- Video in Kannada – ಕೊಬ್ಬಿನಾಂಶ ಮಕ್ಕಳಿಗೆ ಎಷ್ಟು ಆವಶ್ಯಕ?
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