Can Infants Be Given Rapeseed Oil?
Baby and Rapeseed Oil Consumption
When cooking at home, families often opt for cooking oils that their members prefer. Some households might choose rapeseed oil to supplement fatty acids and avoid deficiencies. However, concerns arise about feeding rapeseed oil to young children. Can babies consume rapeseed oil? Older babies can indeed consume rapeseed oil, but it's advisable to avoid it for babies who have just started solid foods.
Babies Can Consume Rapeseed Oil
Fatty acids play a crucial role in infants' brain, nervous system, and overall physical development. Oils, including rapeseed oil, contain unsaturated fatty acids, which are essential nutrients for the body. Therefore, moderate consumption of edible oils can benefit babies' growth and development.
Daily Oil Intake Standards for Babies
After adjusting to family meals, parents can set a daily oil intake for their babies, approximately 20-25 grams. Following this guideline helps prevent fatty acid deficiencies and excess oil consumption. For two- to three-year-olds, the recommended daily oil intake is 15-20 grams.
Benefits of Rapeseed Oil
Rapeseed oil has a high absorption rate in the body. It is sweet, warm, and can alleviate swelling, nourish dryness, and disperse heat. Clinically, it has been used effectively for treating intestinal obstructions caused by roundworms or certain foods. Upon absorption, rapeseed oil provides vitamin E and unsaturated fatty acids, which help soften blood vessels and delay aging. Parents should purchase authentic rapeseed oil for optimal quality.
Precautions for Consuming Rapeseed Oil
Rapeseed oil has a limited shelf life and should not be stored for too long. Avoid reusing heated rapeseed oil repeatedly. Do not add large amounts of rapeseed oil to your baby's solid foods at once; start with small quantities as babies' digestive systems are delicate. Gradual introduction allows the baby's body to adapt and prevents diarrhea.
How to Buy Rapeseed Oil
1. Check the Color: Pure rapeseed oil is typically deep yellow or brown. Inferior oil is often reddish-brown, dark brown, or brown.
2. Smell the Aroma: Good-quality rapeseed oil has a distinct aroma. Inferior oil may smell faint or have unpleasant odors like mold, burnt, or licorice.
3. Assess Transparency: High-quality rapeseed oil is clear and transparent. Inferior oil may contain悬浮物 or appear cloudy.
4. Taste the Oil: Place a drop of rapeseed oil on your tongue. Apart from a slight spicy taste, it should have no other unusual flavors. If the taste is bland or has sour, burnt, or bitter notes, it's not of good quality.
