What Has Got Into Our Kids?

Share:    

What Has Got Into Our Kids?

The likes of Jamie Oliver and other celebrity chefs have pointed out how important it is for our children to have a healthy, balanced diet. Those tricky E numbers can often sneak their way into our food, but which are the ones that should be avoided? In 2008 a 750,000 study by Southampton University looked at the connection between the preservative sodium benzoate (E211), other artificial additives and hyperactivity in primary-aged schoolchildren. It found that children became distracted and failed a computer attention test after consuming certain 'critical' E numbers. The researchers estimated that 30 per cent of cases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) would be prevented if companies removed the colours used in the 13bn-a-year global additives industry. The decision meant the country's biggest confectioners and supermarkets had to reformulate hundreds of products including ice cream, sweets and fizzy drinks. It also lifted the lid on this hidden area of chemicals in the food chain. Children's organic food manufacturer, Organix, called on the Government to remove additives from children's food. They identified the most common artificial additives that appeared in products aimed at children. Get Out And Stay Out Additives that were removed included:Colourings: Tartrazine*, Quinoline Yellow E104, Brilliant Blue E133, Sunset Yellow E110, Carmoisine E122, Ponceau 4R E124, Indigo Carmine E132.Artificial Sweeteners: Aspartame E951**, Saccharine E954, Acesulfame K E950.Flavour Enhancer: Monosodium Glutamate E621.Preservatives: Sodium Benzoate E211, Sulphur Dioxide E220. * Tartrazine is a synthetic yellow dye that was found in products including squash, cordial, fizzy drinks, cake mixes, custard powder, soups, sauces, ice cream, ice lollies, sweets, chewing gum, marzipan, jam, jelly, marmalade, mustard, yoghurt.** Aspartame is a sugar substitute. It is routinely used in sugar-free and low calories drinks.The Hyperactive Children's Support Group claimed that 21 out of 24 parents stated that Aspartame had an adverse effect on their children. It appears that the worst offenders have been removed from the food chain but manufacturers are under intense pressure to remove other, less-harmful chemicals. Watch Out - E Numbers Are About Many E numbers, however, still lurk on the supermarket shelves. The ingredient list cannot lie but shoppers require some knowledge to interpret it. One would think the ingredients in ice creams should start with milk and cream, followed by sugar and egg yolk. So when a major, and very famous, ice cream brand's content list starts with skimmed milk, water and milk fat early on in the list, it's a worry. By the time it ends with hydrogenated vegetable fat, vegetable oil, E421, E442, E341, E500, E501, E407, E410, E412, wheat flours, salt, peanuts and almonds, the savvy shopper should be concerned. The other international brands are not much better. How does one make more informed shopping decisions? First of all not all E numbers are bad for you; natural ingredients such as beetroot juice (E162), sandalwood (E166), locust bean gum or carob bean (E410) and carrageenan or red seaweed (E407) have their own E numbers. But what about the others? Let's take a look: E171 Titanium dioxide (to make ice cream look whiter). E172 Iron oxides and hydroxides. E341 Calcium phosphate (mineral salt). E412 Guar gum extracted from the guar bean. E421 Mannitol (a sweetener for diabetics or used as a cutting agent for heroin or other illicit drugs). E442 Ammonium phosphatides to prevent separation (manufactured either synthetically or from a mixture of Glycerol (E422) and partially hardened rape seed oil). E471 Mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids (as above, derived from glycerine E422). E476 Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate, a liquid extracted from the castor bean and since 2006 used as a cheaper ingredient in making chocolate instead of using cocoa butter. E500 Sodium carbonate or washing soda/soda ash more often used as a water softener. E501 Potassium carbonate or white salt, more commonly used in making soap or glass. Recession-Proof LuxuryWhere does one go to avoid the additives from hell? The local artisan producer not far from your back yard and most likely to reside on a farm. Proper strawberries in the ice cream? No concentrates? A year's shelf life? Exquisite taste? You can imagine the man at Unilever or Pillsbury with a look of terror on his face. It's no wonder the super-premium ice cream sector is growing, while the main, bulk, basic market is gradually shrinking. Ice cream is a comfort food and a luxury that is always affordable, even in a recession. Artisan ice cream is undoubtedly the best taste that money can buy. Until you have tried it, you will never understand why so many people are desperate to get their hands on it. The proof is always in the eating and your kids will really appreciate it; it's about getting goodness into your kids and not a cocktail of artificial additives. Jamie Oliver is right and most of us would certainly not disagree with the tactics he employs to get our children to eat better. The warning is loud and clear - if you wish to stop your child from throwing tantrums or driving you mad, just take a look at what is in his or her food and understand that you only get out what you put in.

POST COMMENT

Reverse Phone Detective Could Help Track And Manipulate Your Teen's Growth In The Positive Direction A Few Weight Loss Plans For Overweight Teenage Boys Must-Visit Children's Attractions in Dorset Sweet Sixteen West March Madness Betting Picks Galore! March Madness Betting: Dukes Advances to Sweet Sixteen!! Facing Merger or Sale of Your Employer? Here's Fourteen Smart Steps Kids Owning Weapons Child furnishings - choose ideal For Your child The Best Child Safety Products Choosing The Best Dog For Your Kids Review - Any Worth? Choosing The Best Dog For Your Kids Scam or Any Good? How Do You Determine What Autism Treatment Is Correct For Your Child? How Can You Tell if Children Exhibit Dyslexia