Choosing organic has an impact not only on our children’s health and wellbeing, but the health of the planet that they are going to inherit. There are many reasons why choosing organic is the best for you and your family, and it pays to be informed about the food you are eating.
It’s safe to say that we’d be horrified if our child got hold of a bottle of ant-killer and put it to her lips – those black crosses are rightfully alarming. But food that has been intensively farmed can contain any number of residues from fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, drugs and antibiotics, and is readily available in our supermarkets, without black crosses on the packets! All of these contaminants can find their way into the body’s systems and are toxic to the nervous system, damage endocrine and reproductive organs, and can be toxic to the immune system as well as being linked to cancer. A child’s developing organs are less able to eliminate harmful chemicals, and research shows that pesticides can have a more detrimental effect on their health. Their bodies are made up of a higher proportion of water than adults, meaning that water soluble chemicals are more easily transported. It is an unfortunate truth that despite Government regulations controlling the use of chemicals in farming, food is regularly found to contain much higher levels than are considered acceptable. As a consumer, you have the power to reject this kind of farming and choose to support a different way of doing things. An organic diet is an empowering way to take responsibility for your family’s health.
“Organic foods contain higher levels of vitamin C and essential minerals”
Organic foods contain higher levels of vitamin C and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium as well as cancer-fighting antioxidants. Intensive farming robs the soil of its natural nutrients, meaning that the nutritive value of our food is only going to go down if we don’t support organic farming. This kind of farming works closely with the environment and the seasons, respecting the earth’s natural habitats. Research has shown that organic farms have 44% more birds and more than five times as many wild plants as other farms. They also produce less carbon dioxide which is the main global warming gas. Extensive farming has led to the extinction of many natural species and the pollution of rivers and lakes. Visiting an organic farm and meeting the farmer is an exciting way for families to learn more about their food and its impact on the planet. Actually seeing these farming methods in action can be a deciding factor in choosing organic for your family – supporting local farms and witnessing the love and attention they need to survive often makes you think twice about choosing factory-farmed produce.
What will sway even the most unconvinced is the delicious taste of organic food. Organic fruit and vegetables contain less water than non-organic and other organic foods are free from the fillers, artificial colourings and preservatives that infiltrate much of the food that is aimed at children. In choosing organic food, you are making a statement as a consumer by supporting organic farming, for the benefits to your family’s health and to your planet as a whole.
Daphne Lambert is an award winning chef and owner of the first restaurant to be certified by the Soil Association. Author of several books including The Organic Baby and Toddler Cookbook, she is passionate about nutrition and healthy eating. These beliefs were the driving force behind Green Cuisine, which offers courses in food and health. We spoke with Daphne about children’s nutrition.
How important is pre-conceptual diet for the future health of the child? A mother’s health and nutrition during pre conception and pregnancy have a profound effect on the health of a baby. Nutrition for both partners is important. It takes three months for sperm to mature while the egg takes a month and during this time optimum nutrition will maximise the quality.
How important is organic food for family health? Hugely important. Many of the array of chemicals, additives etc used in non organic food contribute to cancer and other degenerative diseases. Babies and toddlers are more at risk of these residues due to their small size and their large food intake. Plus they have underdeveloped organs and bodily systems, especially the immune system.
What advice would you give to parents to encourage their children to eat healthily? Make it social and fun, not a battleground.
What are your aims at Green Cuisine? To help people make the conscious choices required for optimum health. Our aim is to create a deeper understanding of the use of ingredients and their effect on the body.
Tell us about your kitchen garden at Penrhos? The garden is veganic (organic and animal free). We grow medicinal and culinary herbs, soft fruit and orchard fruits.
What, in your opinion, are the vital building blocks that a child needs for good health? The body has a high protein content so they need good quality protein for body growth. The brain has a high lipid content so it is essential to make sure the diet includes the essential fatty acids. Studies show that an omega 3 rich diet supports cognitive development and learning ability, neurological functioning, boosts the immune system and might even relieve childhood depression.
FURTHER READING
The Organic Baby and Toddler Cookbook: From First Foods to Family Meals by Daphne Lambert and Tania Maxted-Frost
The Organic Baby Book: How to plan and raise a healthy child by Tania Maxted-Frost
Green Parenting: The Best for You, Your Child and the Environment by Melissa Corkhill
Melissa Corkhill is the editor of The Green Parent magazine, mother of two and author of the book Green Parenting
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