Are lentils safe for kids?
What are we feeding our children? Can we really believe all the marketing - when so many kids need help from psychologists? Not to mention serial infections like coughs and bronchitis.
Recently I was very concerned to learn that some families have ‘lentil night’ every week. Many parents serve up beans and chick peas to their children as baked beans or hummus regularly - because they are a source of protein. But it’s the wrong kind of protein. Even though these things seem like familiar comfort foods – for many children they do damage inside the body – that is, they cause discomfort and dysfunction. For some these toxins affect mood and behaviour. Why? Because they contain phytates – a type of antinutrient food toxin.
Beware the bowl of dhal.
A new study[1] from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States has linked attention deficit disorder, ADHD to a number of food toxins carried by cereals, legumes and dairy. It concluded that avoiding these foods assisted in controlling the condition.
Surprisingly ADHD affects around 7% (one in fifteen) children globally and the numbers are increasing. So in a school classroom of around thirty students – we should expect two with the condition … enough to disrupt any lesson. Looked at this way - children’s mental health therefore affects most kids!
[1] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/NDT.S449186
Telltale signs of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. These children are more likely to get into disputes and have accidents. Later on, they may engage in criminal behaviour and substance abuse. Unfortunately the condition is also associated with depression, anxiety and defiant behaviour. All of this impacts their ability to take advantage of learning opportunities.
But if not lentils or beans - what should we give kids?
How to know which foods to keep your kids well? We’ve made it simple. This handy poster fits on the fridge or inside a kitchen cupboard door. Browse the 26 Poor Food Choices for Kids on the left hand side - and great ways to substitute them on the right side.
Break out of old habits for inspiring meals and lunch box ideas. And along the way, teach your children the truth about eating healthy!
(Frame not included.)
The US study concluded there was ‘compelling evidence’ and that a low-lectin diet could help manage ADHD in children. The effects of gluten are well documented – and can lead to depression, fatigue and serial ear or respiratory infections.
Whatever we can do to give our children the best opportunities in life must be worthwhile! Who would have thought the rush to plant-based foods like beans and lentils could actually damage your kids?
Learn how help your kids avoid lectins and other damaging food toxins with the Save Our Kids poster.
Designed specifically to assist with children’s issues – post it on your fridge or frame it for the kitchen. Ensuring good childhood nutrition avoids setbacks and snags – and sets your kids up for life.
