When our children are small, they need lots of nutrition to grow and develop properly. This nutrition comes in the form of a breastmilk and formula and later, in a large variety of fruits, vegetables, meats and nuts.

There are certain foods that are powerhouses of health and nutrition. These are called ‘superfoods’, and they contain good amounts of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients like Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, choline, calcium, and iron. They are super because they boost health and development and typically have many preventative health benefits.

One such superfood that we love here at LittleOak is flaxseed oil. So much so, that we replaced the canola oil that we once used in our formulas with this super-wonderful, nutritionally dense oil. We are proud to say we are the first in the world to do so. And here are the reasons why.

The Forgotten Oil

Flaxseeds and its oil are not a new food. In fact, it is actually one of the older and, perhaps, one of the original “health foods,” treasured because of its healing properties throughout the ancient Roman Empire.

Flax could be dubbed the “forgotten oil.” In many ways, it fell out of favour because most manufacturers found nutritious oils to be less profitable. The very nutrients that give flax its nutritional benefits – essential fatty acids – also give it a short shelf life, making it more expensive to produce, transport, and store and as a result, manufacturers opt instead for cheaper, less nutritious oils like palm oil and canola. But not at LittleOak.

For us, we will never compromise on quality for margin. And more importantly, we uncompromisingly reject any ingredients that are chemically extracted. Did you know that nearly all oils used in other formula brands use oils extracted by hexane, or in other words, they use a form of petroleum to extract oil from the canola flower or palm oil kernels. Again, not at LittleOak. Instead we use cold-pressed variants and our Flaxseed oil is sourced from the South Island in New Zealand.

But what is flax, what are its benefits to your little one?

What is Flax?

Flax, also known as golden flax or linseed, is a flowering plant that grows in New Zealand, Canada and parts of the US. The flaxseeds are, naturally, the seeds of the plant and it’s those that we consume, whether in seed form, as flax meal or pressed into oil.

Science today has proven that flax is an amazing source of essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, as well as lignans. It’s also an excellent source of dietary fibre, which is great for controlling blood sugar levels. Finally, it’s incredibly high in protein, boasting six grams of protein per each three tablespoon serving and is a good source of iron, calcium and potassium.

Benefits of Adding Flaxseed Oil to Your Child’s Diet

1. BOOST IMMUNITY:

Flaxseed is one of nature’s richest plant sources of Omega 3 fatty acids and in particular the alpha linolenic acid (ALA) which the body uses to contribute to normal blood cholesterol levels. The ALA created by the body from Omega 3 fatty acids works alongside lignans to affect the white blood cells that help the immune system, helping your little one to fight of disease. Adding flaxseed to your child’s diet can help strengthen and develop their bodies immune defence system.

2. MUSCLE AND BONE DEVELOPMENT:

Flaxseed is a great source of protein and this can be a great contributor to the development and maintenance of muscles and normal bones. As well as this, protein helps repair tissues and cells, which is good news for all those bumps and bruises kids tend to get growing up.

3. REDUCE FATIGUE:

Emerging science suggests that the high concentration of fatty acids in flaxseed oil, namely the wonderful Omega 3, are beneficial for child’s brain health, particularly its protective effects on the brain and its potential ability to reduce hyperactivity.

For babies, this may mean improved sleep (hallelujah!). For older children, it can help reduce the effect of tiredness and fatigue by carrying oxygen around their body. It can also help to keep them full and alert for longer by slowly releasing energy through protein.

Some Ways You Can Add Flaxseeds to Your Baby’s Diet

• If you are using formula, consider one supplemented with flaxseed oil, such as LittleOak Natural Goat Milk Toddler Milk.
• You can add flaxseed oil or flax meal to cereals, baby yogurt, porridge or fruit or veggie purees
• Flax is also wonderful as an egg substitute in baked goods should your bub have an egg allergy, or if you just wish to increase their nutrient consumption. Try it in muffins, pancakes, biscuits or even homemade rusks when baby is teething

LittleOak is the first in the world to include high-potency, cold-pressed flaxseed oil. Like to know more? Please drop us an email. We’re always happy to chat! hello@thelittleoakcompany.com