How Organic Eating Improves Your Child’s Health

How Organic Eating Improves Your Child’s Health

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You might have already made the organic transition, but have your children? The green movement is upon us, and we’ve already switched to using sustainable materials when building new homes and developed hybrid cars. These eco-friendly practices should have been transposed into your diet too. As an increasing number of natural food stores like Goodness Direct and organic brands surface, it is becoming easier than ever to feed your family organically.

Organic eating refers to the practice of eating food which hasn’t been chemically treated. Some people question whether the higher price of organically farmed produce actually results in better quality, healthier food. However, recent studies by experts have found positive benefits, and when it comes to your children, the findings suggest that it is well worth spending more and buying organic for them, too.

Health Benefits

Dr Therese Pasqualoni, who has spent over fourteen years researching nutrition, physical activity and stress management, has voiced concerns over children’s diets, and stressed that organic foods are far more beneficial than conventional ones. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition backed up Dr Pasqualoni’s assertions, finding that among 815 two-year olds, those who consumed organic dairy products had a reduced incidence of eczema and wheezing.

Preventing Mental Health Issues

The University of Washington conducted a study in Seattle that produced some very interesting results. Their research found that pre-schoolers who ate primarily organic foods were exposed to fewer organophosphate pesticides than children eating primarily conventional foods. This was significant as a 2006 study by the BBC had reported that pesticides found in fruit and vegetables, and the decreased nutrients in non-organic produce, could cause mental health issues like depression and memory problems in children and adults.

Battling Attention Deficit Disorder

An increasing number of children are being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), a recurrent pattern of behaviour characterised by short attention spans, impulsivity and hyperactivity. This condition is usually treated with Ritalin. Ritalin is a stimulant that is used to treat daytime drowsiness and chronic fatigue syndrome. As with many drugs, it can have side-effects, including anxiety, nervousness and insomnia. A holistic alternative which avoids the risk of side effects is available in the form of a plant-based nutrition programme. The treatment works on the foundation that there is a relationship between diet and disease, working on the theory that everything the human body needs to live a long, disease-free life is provided by the Earth. High sugar consumption and a diet of processed foods and additives have been identified as possible ADD risk-factors. By eliminating the three from your diet, the theory posits that you should see an improvement. It stresses that parents should feed their children organic produce because it has the maximum nutrient density, and a minimal amount of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

Now that you know the benefits of organic food for your children’s diet, shop smart and try swapping some of your more conventional shopping choices for organic alternatives.

photo credit: BC Gov Photos via photopin cc

Original article and pictures take www.authenticparenting.info site