Organic Food for Your Baby ... because it makes sense!
By Kalpna Solanki
As a family, we’re passionate about the environment and good food. We had been eating organic food for more than ten years when our daughter was born. Of course, her food had to be organic as well. Why?
Because it's better for your child:
- Children with their smaller size, rapid growth rate and speedy metabolism are more vulnerable to developmental damage than adults. Research shows that children get four times more exposure to pesticides in their foods than adults.
- Immature infant organs and body systems are more susceptible to damage from toxins in foods. Also, infant digestive tracts absorb toxins more easily, and young kidneys are inefficient at excreting toxins, allowing them to circulate longer in the body.
- Infants' diets are usually restricted to a small range of foods that may also place them at higher risk of pesticide exposure.
- Current regulations of acceptable pesticide residues allowed in conventional, non-organically grown food are based on standards developed for adult consumption, not children. Children just cannot withstand that level of exposure without repercussions.
- Research shows that organically grown foods may be more nutritious than conventionally grown foods. For example, organic fruits and vegetables have been shown to contain higher levels of vitamin C, and are richer in some antioxidants such as polyphenolic compounds. Furthermore, organically grown grains may have better quality protein than non-organic grains.
- Organically grown foods taste better too
Because it's better for the environment your child grows in:
- Pesticides have a significant negative impact on beneficial insects, and other animal species.
- Organic farming methods develop vigorous, fertile soils that are ecologically healthy and can grow a wider range of crops.
- A reduction in the use of pesticides decreases the contamination of ground water and soils.
Because it's better for the people who grow your child’s food:
- More than 200 million pounds of pesticides were applied to the $3 billion worth of fruit and vegetables exported from Mexico to Canada and the US last year. Farm workers, including child workers, are exposed to these pesticides and have significant health impacts as a result.
So, why organic food for your baby? Think of it as an investment in your child's future - it's worth it.
Kalpna Solanki BSc MBA CPHI(C) is the President of BOBOBABY. Kalpna is a mom and has a background in public health and environmental management.
Lawrence Mroz PhD(C) is the Director of Research and Nutrition at BOBOBABY. Lawrence has a background in molecular biology and holistic nutrition, and is currently doing research in the area of diet and health.
BOBOBABY is the world’s first manufacturer of frozen baby food that is certified organic, kosher, age-appropriate, and free of the top 9 allergens. BOBOBABY foods are available at more than 200 stores across Canada.
