Does Organic Food Make a Difference in Children?

Are you thinking of making the switch to organic food for your children? Maybe you’re trying to figure out if it’s worth it? Or perhaps you’re not even sure of the differences between organic and conventional foods?

We’ve broken down the benefits of choosing organic options for your little ones. 

 

What Is Organic Food?

We’ve all heard of it, but do we really know what makes something organic? It’s defined as food and drink which conforms to the standard methods of organic farming. These methods include restricting the use of man-made pesticides, growth regulators and additives. 

Foods produced by organic farming also tend to be considered more environmentally friendly than conventional foods. This is because it doesn’t use traditional pesticides, which can pollute waterways and any livestock reared is kept in more natural, free-range conditions.

For produce to be labelled as organic, at least 95% of it must come from organically produced plants or animals. Anything which is conventionally grown with exposure to pesticides or has been genetically modified, is not organic.

 

Does Organic Food Make a Difference in Children?

You might be wondering ‘will organic food make a difference for my children?’ We certainly think so! There are plenty of benefits to including organic options in their diet. 

So, why is organic food good for children? Organic ingredients provide the best long-term benefits for children, as they are free from pesticide residues and other high-risk chemicals which could have a negative impact on their health in the future.

But why is healthy organic food particularly important for babies and toddlers? Young children of that age are particularly vulnerable to chemicals, as their immune systems are not yet fully developed. 

Also, because they tend to eat a lot of certain farmed foods like fruits and vegetables, they would ingest a lot of pesticides if their food wasn’t organic.

Eating organic foods will also provide your children with a wide range of nutrients and antioxidants to support them as they grow.

 

The Benefits of Switching to Organic Food For Your Children

 

• Your Child Will Get a Taste For Real Food

When starting to wean off milk or introduce finger foods to your kids, it’s a good idea to choose organic ingredients, so they can get used to natural flavours. This way, they get a taste for ‘real food’ without the addition of preservatives, sweeteners or artificial colours and flavours, which are often present in processed foods.

 

• Organic Foods Are Kinder to the Planet

There are also great benefits for the environment which happen as a result of choosing organic foods. Pesticides used in conventional farming can pollute soil and waterways in the area where they’re used, which is dangerous for any species that inhabit them.

Organic farming uses natural fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides, so is much kinder to the planet and more sustainable in the long run. 

 

• Organic Animal Products Are Free-Range and Free From Hormones

The animal welfare of livestock which is reared for organic, free-range meat products is far superior to that of non-organic, where animals may be kept in small, cramped spaces.

Organic farming also disallows the use of growth hormones and antibiotics, which if passed on to your children, can have a harmful effect on their health.

 

• Organic Growing Methods Are Better For Farmers

There is also a benefit to the farmers and farmworkers who grow organic produce, as they are not exposed to the harmful chemicals used in traditional farming, which can cause adverse health issues.

 

Is It Easy To Go Organic?

Yes! Supermarkets have plenty of organic options available – just check the label. Another great way to make sure your family eats the freshest produce is to sign up to a local greengrocers delivery scheme in your area. 

You might even have a go at growing your own fruit and veg! Not only is it a really good way to have a constant supply of fresh ingredients as part of your organic diet, but your kids can get stuck in too. If they’re involved in the process of growing their own food, they’ll be even more interested in eating it.

Our journal has great tips on planting a vegetable garden with your little one.

Providing your little ones with organic food options early on sets them up to make healthy eating choices throughout the rest of their life.

 

Developing Healthy Organic Eating Habits At Maryam’s Nursery

At Maryam’s, our chef prepares healthy organic meals designed by a nutritionist, as we believe this is key to the development of healthy, happy children. 

Find an example of a typical menu here.

Want to find out more about our nursery? Download a brochure or book a space at our open day.

Did you know that we have a new location? Along with our Tower Bridge location, we now have a nursery located on Great Guildford Street, London. Find out more about our new nursery here.