Eating organic is the latest trend in terms of nutrition. Market products like bio exploded lately, with more products and stores. But are organic foods so healthy as believed? Is it really necessary to spend extra to ensure that our children eating organic? Still many parents put these questions. Before making a decision is important to know the differences between organic and other products.

Nutritional Differences:

Organic products differ from traditional ones by the way they are grown and processed,and by the ingredients. Many non-organic products advertised as being for kids, contain trans fats (hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats). Scientific research has shown that these fats should be consumed even in small quantities, especially by children. For any parent, this would be a sufficient reason to head to the section with organic products.

Non-nutritional differences:

Another concern of parents worldwide are chemicals used in agriculture and animal husbandry: pesticides, steroids, antibiotics. In fruits and vegetables are not pesticide residues in large amounts, but they exist. In some types of products these quantities are larger than others. Even if the pesticides used in traditional farming are approved by regulatory bodies and they say that do not involve any risk, many parents are still worried and prefer to completely avoid any risk, however small it may be.

When it comes to meat products, the main concern is the use of steroids and antibiotics, substances designed to ensure animal health and growth. The problem is that although the substances used are tested and approved, and they reach our plates, which can lead to allergies and antibiotic resistance. Organic farmed animals are treated with drugs or growth hormones and food they receive is, in turn, organic.

Why organic food is more important for children?

In recent years, research has shown that for the children risk of exposure to pesticides is greater, and the effects on health and normal development are serious. Yet, health standards and recommended doses (which must meet producers) are always designed for adults, not children. Most recent revaluation rules require secure and rebuilding the recommended dose limits so as to include the children, but, as expected, things are moving very slowly. Until we have the results of research, organic food is important for children, it significantly reduces the risks poisoning and allergies.

Why children are more affected by chemicals in food? Firstly because they ingest a larger amount of substance in relation to body weight. Second, any chemical is harmful to the organs and systems are in the process of development towards the mature, factors that support more than pests. Nervous system and reproductive tract are most at risk.

A study published in 2009 in the United States has shown that organic foods contain pesticide residues in much smaller amounts than others (because fertilizers and pesticides remain in soil for long periods of time, and organic food could contain residues), representing an excellent food source for everyone, but especially for children.

Thank you!