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Pesticides Linked to ADHD

by Paula Gallagher | March 7, 2012

A study published in the journal Pediatrics has linked the level of pesticides consumed in foods to doubling the risk of developing ADHD in children.

Researchers used data collected from almost 1,140 children participating in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey,” including pesticide by-products found in urine. They found that in that group, 119 children met the criteria for ADHD.

Children with substantially higher levels of a breakdown product of neurotoxic organophosphate pesticides were twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. The researchers concluded that parents should buy organic food for their kids. Many other researchers stress the importance of women eating organic at least 6 months before conception, and throughout pregnancy, too.

According to Environmental Working Group (EWG), these are the top 10 foods that you should buy as organic, because they contain the highest levels of pesticides: (more…)

Tags: ADHD, EWG, pediatrics, pesticides
Posted in Diet, Green Living, Health Concerns |
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Prevent Childhood Obesity: Eat at Home

by Paula Gallagher | March 6, 2012

Researchers at the University of Granada have found a link between nutritional status of children, and who prepares their meals. They concluded that eating at home rather than grabbing food on-the-go or at restaurants can prevent childhood obesity.

The study’s participants were 718 public and private school students in Spain between the ages of 9 and 17. Out of the children surveyed, those whose mothers prepared their lunches were much less likely to be obese than those who had lunch prepared by someone outside the family.

While the benefits of home-cooked meals have long been known, this study’s strong conclusion adds to an ever-growing body of research that links convenience food with the serious problem of childhood obesity.

Here are some tips for busy families:

1. Prepare for breakfast the night before. Set bowls and cutlery on the table, along with cereal and fruit. In the morning, all you have to do is pour the milk. (more…)

Tags: obesity
Posted in Diet, Health Concerns |
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An Orange a Day Keeps Strokes Away

by Paula Gallagher | February 29, 2012

A new study in the journal Stroke has found that citrus fruits, especially oranges and grapefruits, can reduce the risk of strokes. The key to citrus are the flavonoids. Flavonoids are the antioxidant compounds in fruits and vegetables that give them their rich colors—and also many of their health benefits. These benefits are thought to be related to the ability of flavonoids to improve blood vessel function and to their anti-inflammatory effects.

Although more research is needed, it seems eating the whole fruit is definitely preferable to just drinking its juice. Most juices contain fewer nutrients and often contain added sugar. According to the paper, “Given the higher flavanone content of citrus fruits and the sugar content of commercial fruit juices, public health recommendations should focus on increasing citrus fruit intake.” (more…)

Tags: cardiovascular health, flavanoids, stroke
Posted in Diet, Health Concerns |
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Chia Seeds: Why You Should Be Eating Them

by Paula Gallagher | February 28, 2012

Most people are familiar with chia seeds, but what you may not know is that the same seeds that sprout in clay pots are also a very healthy addition to your diet.

Here are some reasons to add chia to your diet (thanks to Cobs Bread Company):

• 15 x more magnesium than broccoli
• 7 x more vitamin C than oranges
• 6 x more calcium than milk
• 3 x more antioxidants than blueberries
• 3 x more iron than spinach
• Highest levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids of any plant
• Rich in fiber
• Gluten-free (more…)

Tags: blood glucose levels, cardiovascular health, diabetes
Posted in Diet, Nutritional Supplements |
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BPA and Weight Gain

by Paula Gallagher | February 21, 2012

A new study in the The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism has found that high levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in older adults are associated with increased weight and waist size, both indicators of obesity that can lead to serious illness and disease.

Researchers in China have found that adults over the age of 40 with higher levels of BPA in their urine tend to be obese, have more abdominal fat and be insulin resistant. These metabolic disorders can lead to further and more harmful health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease.

Americans are exposed to BPA through ingesting foods stored in plastic containers made with BPA, and BPA-lined cans, as well as through non-food sources, such as cash register receipts.

BPA exposure has also been linked to cancer, hyperlipidemia, thyroid problems and inflammation. Here are some ways to avoid BPA that have been mentioned in previous blogs. (more…)

Tags: bisphenol A, bpa, bpa free cans, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
Posted in Diet, Health Concerns |
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