Eating extra virgin olive oil during pregnancy boosts the quality of breast milk, according to new research.
The oil is rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fats, which fuel a baby’s growth.
And what's even better is that they also cross the placental barrier, improving development of the child in the womb.
Eating olive oil during pregnancy ‘boosts quality of breast milk’
Lead research author, Dr Maria Rodrigues-Lagunas said: "This is the first study to report transmission of extra virgin olive oil plant compounds from mother to offspring during breastfeeding.
"Our results support that diets enriched with extra virgin olive oil could modify or even increase the chemical content of breast milk - with potential health benefits for the infant.
"Moreover, promising levels of olive oil compounds and their metabolites were detected in offspring plasma."
Essential nutrients
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants. It contains essential nutrients, hormones and antibodies that protect against infections and metabolic diseases.
Breastfeeding also provides many short and long term benefits to the mother - including reducing risk of breast cancer.
Their babies have also been found to have a more developed immune system, and a lower risk of allergies.
Extra virgin olive oil is the main source of fat in the Mediterranean diet - long hailed for its health benefits.
It is easy to digest and prevents constipation and colic.
Mom and baby benefits
It helps in the absorption of vitamin D, important for growing babies and children because it regulates calcium.
It also encourages the intake of minerals that are essential for strengthening bone and muscle.
This gives children added protection against bone fractures and the risk of osteoporosis in old age.
Olive oil lowers bad cholesterol, a great contributor to obesity.
There has also been reported a lower risk of asthma in mothers who have consumed a consistent amount of olive oil throughout pregnancy.
These findings are based on female rats fed olive oil for six weeks. Analysis of blood samples identified chemical derivatives in the mothers and their pups.
