Children have the biggest need for optimal nutrition because their bodies and minds are developing. Along with plenty of vitamins and minerals, they also have smaller and more susceptible bodies and can be negatively affected by pesticides more easily, according to studies reported by the Environmental Health Perspectives. Organic food is not made with ingredients that have been subjected to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers or genetic engineering.
Vegetable Pizza
You can find healthy, frozen organic pizza in health food stores and some standard grocery stores. The healthiest crust to buy is one made from whole grains. Whole grains provide your kids with dietary fiber, which is especially important when eating cheese, because cheese contains saturated fat and fiber can help eliminate it through the digestive process. Soy cheese is a healthy option for kids who are lactose-intolerant. Buy a pizza with a variety of vegetables for additional vitamins and minerals.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese can be made healthier with organic dairy. Add broccoli and other vegetables to the macaroni and cheese to increase vitamin intake. Make it with whole-grain macaroni to add fiber.
Organic milk and cheese does not contain growth hormones or antibiotics. According to the Organic Consumers Organization, children are especially vulnerable to risk from antibiotics in foods, which can cause antibiotic resistance. Another major benefit of organic dairy is its lack of bovine growth hormone, or rBGH. This hormone may increase blood levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1, or IGF-1, which may lead to certain cancers, such as prostate cancer, as reported by "The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism" in 2000.
Vegetable-based Burger and Homemade Fries
Instead of a burger and fries from a fast-food restaurant, try making them at home using healthy, organic ingredients. Pan fry an organic vegetable-based burger, which is made from soy, wheat gluten, mushroom, nuts, beans or a combination of these proteins. Place the burger on sprouted burger buns and add vegetables your kids enjoy. Typical vegetables are slices of tomato, romaine lettuce and onions. Add hummus or other condiments. Pan-fry French fries homemade from organic potatoes, keeping the skins on for additional fiber. For a healthy alternative, make sweet potato fries that add fiber and vitamin A.
References
- Environmental Health Perspectives: Assessing Children's Dietary Pesticide Exposure -- Direct Measurement of Pesticide Residues in 24-Hour Duplicate Food Samples
- World Health Organization: 20 Questions on Genetically Modified Foods
- Organic Consumers Organization: Seven Reasons Why Kids Should Drink Organic Milk
- The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism: Serum Levels of Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-I), IGF-II, IGF-Binding Protein-3, and Prostate-Specific Antigen as Predictors of Clinical Prostate Cancer: Serum Levels of Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-I), IGF-II, IGF-Binding Protein-3, and Prostate-Specific Antigen as Predictors of Clinical Prostate Cancer
- Center for Food Safety: rBGH / rBST
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