People look at fats as something that is unhealthy. However, children need fats in limited quantities to stay healthy. In fact, limiting fats may deprive your child of essential nutrients.

Health concerns like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, etc. are on the rise today. One preventive measure adopted by people is to limit fats in their diet. But did you know that some fats can be healthy? Read on to know more.
Fats are broadly classified as healthy and unhealthy fats. Of these, healthy fats are good for the body if consumed in limited quantities, while unhealthy fats, although tasty, are harmful.
Let us look at some of the facts related to healthy fats and why they must be included in our diet.
All fats are not unhealthy. Among the different types of fats, saturated fats and trans fats are the ones responsible for numerous health ailments. The unsaturated fats are healthy fats. Polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) & mono-unsaturated fats (MUFA) are the two types of unsaturated fats. PUFAs are further classified into omega-3 and omega-6 fats. These fats are termed as 'healthy fats' as they perform vital functions in your child's body. These fats help in the development of your child's brain and nervous tissue.
Remember, the body uses fat as fuel. Fats also help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
A balanced diet that contains all food groups and provides all nutrients in adequate proportions is essential for a child's overall growth and development. Proteins are the building blocks of our body, while carbohydrates are a source of instant energy. Fiber improves stomach health and fats provide insulation to the body's vital organs.
Yet, all these nutrients are interlinked. Several vitamins and minerals help in the absorption and functioning of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Hence, a combination of various nutrients is vital for your preschooler's development.
According to the latest Recommended Dietary Allowances Guidelines by the National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR), a preschooler should normally have around 25 grams (5 tsp) of visible fats in his diet. Visible fat implies added fat (the ghee and oil we use while cooking). The WHO/FAO guidelines recommend that a 3-6-year-old child's saturated fats consumption needs to be restricted to under 8 percent of the total energy intake.
Foods like olive oil, avocado, and peanuts are rich in mono-unsaturated fats (MUFAs) and can be given to preschoolers. Other foods rich in healthy fats include:
Use these healthy fats in your daily cooking to ensure your child gets his required quota.
Healthy fats provide many benefits to children. Fats supply more than double the energy provided by a molecule of carbohydrate or protein. They insulate the tissues of the nervous system and foster cognitive development in children. Fats and oils are a source of essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
The human body cannot synthesize these fats. This makes it important for us to consume foods that contain these essential fats. Fat-soluble vitamins can be absorbed by our body only if the diet contains fats. In addition, fats make food tastier and keep you full for longer periods of time.
Babies under 6 months need to be exclusively breastfed as breastmilk contains the required essential fats in an easily digestible form. When complementary feeds are initiated, healthy fats can be introduced into the baby's diet in the form of walnut powder, olive oil added to baby purees, finger foods such as pieces of avocado, etc. After your baby is over a year old, it is mandatory to include healthy fats in his diet.
Use cooking techniques that enhance or retain the quality of high-fat foods. Here are some examples:
Here are some pointers:
Essential fats are known for building nerve cells, improving immunity, and absorbing vitamins in the body. Cutting down on healthy fats can have a negative effect on your child's health. If eaten in moderation, healthy fats can improve your child's health and contribute to his overall development. So, go ahead and use these ideas to make food fun for your child.
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