Have you heard about "smart fats?" Smart fats are thought to help with attention, learning, memory, behavior and higher test scores in children. Studies show that children who eat fish at least twice weekly have higher grades and test scores than those who don't. Of course, we're not talking highly processed frozen fish sticks, etc.
Feeding your kids fish is not the only way to take advantage of the consistent findings from a whole slew of research studies related to this. The key is supplying them with omega-3 fatty acids, or so-called "smart fats." Dr. Keri Marshall wrote a chapter in the book, Amazing Grades! 101 Best Ways to Improve Your Grades Faster, which included the following information:
- Our brains are comprised of 60% fat with gray matter making up approximately 45% of total brain fat
- Approximately 30% of the gray matter is made of DHA
- Omega-3s make up a part of every cell membrane in your body
The logical conclusion from the above facts is that in order for the brain and nervous system to develop and function properly, everyone needs omega-3s and DHA. Dr. Marshall presented these findings:
- Attention and behavior. Based on research from the University of South Australia, 132 children (ages 7-12) with ADHD who took fish oil capsules were "calmer, less impulsive, and showed improvements in attention, behavior, and vocabulary." Further study revealed that, after 5 months, "unruly children who took fish oil supplements showed improved behavior, concentration, and bonding, as well as the equivalent of nearly nine months' improvement in expressive language ability."
- Grades and test scores. A British study found that 184 teenagers attending a school for the behaviorally challenged, who were given fish oil supplements for a period of 12 weeks prior to taking standardized tests, exceeded expected results by one full grade.
- Learning and literacy. A study in 2007 of 355 children, ages 6-9, found that verbal learning and spelling ability improved in those who were taking fish oil supplements on a consistent basis. Additionally, these children retained information better and missed fewer sick days from school. In more recent years, another study of 90 7-12 year old kids with ADHD concluded that DHA supplements helped to improve reading and spelling, as well as reduced behavioral problems.
- Memory and problem solving. Children whose moms included enough healthy fats while pregnant are destined to score higher on tests of memory function.
You can find out more about this research at www.omega-research.com.
Nordic Naturals, the world's leading supplier of omega-3 fatty acids, is sponsoring an amazing scholarship program and I'm thrilled to be partnering with them to promote this. The What's Essential Essay Scholarship from Nordic Naturals runs through the end of March 2013. One college student will win $5,000 for college, along with a year's supply of Nordic Naturals' award-winning omega oils! This is an essay competition and the details can be found at www.whatsessential.com.
All statements and products mentioned in this post have not been reviewed by
the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, cure or treat any diseases.
TGIVF!
We're surrounded by chemicals. As a matter of fact, the U.S. currently has over 80,000 chemicals registered for commercial use. That's a whole heck of a lot more than were around back when I was a child in the '50s and '60s. Approximately 700 new chemicals are introduced in the States every year, and most of them have not been studied for their possible effects of child development. Doesn't that frighten you? It terrifies me. These are chemicals in common household products like
- toys
- furniture
- shampoo
- food
- electronics
- cleaners
- laundry products
- lawn care products
- and so many more!
My concern for the welfare of your children is one of the reasons I started this feature on my blog, which eventually led to the book, Vinegar Fridays.
Common household distilled white vinegar can be used to replace nearly every cleaner in your home, and apple cider vinegar can be used for a variety of beauty and health-related things. Vinegar is just that amazing.
Of course, Green Grandma isn't the only one concerned! Healthy Child Healthy World is celebrating its 20th anniversary and plays a leadership role in one of the most important public health and environmental movements of the 21st century. HCHW is focused on empowering parents to protect children from harmful chemicals.
Following the death of five-year-old Colette Chuda in 1992, HCHW formed to help prevent other children like Colette from dying from cancers linked to environmental factors. HCHW is a national, nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization headquartered in Los Angeles, CA. Please visit their website for more information about the work they are doing to keep your children safe from toxins.
This month, through October, Healthy Child Healthy World is teaming up with Nordic Naturals® to convey an important message to families worldwide that it is essential that we protect our children from harmful contaminants by creating healthy environments where they can grow, thrive and flourish. After all, isn't that what we all want for our kids?
Nordic Naturals® is donating a portion of proceeds from selected Nordic Naturals® children's products to HCHW during its Back-to-School promotion. To help raise awareness about this vital issue, Nordic Naturals® is donating $1 for every bottle sold of the following products:
- Nordic Berries™
-- chewy, sweet-and-sour multivitamins provide 100% of the daily value of the most essential nutrients
- Nordic Omega-3 Gummies™
-- easy-to-chew omega-3 tangerine treats for ages 2+
- Children's DHA™
-- chewable, strawberry-flavored omega-3s support brain and visual function for ages 3+
- Baby's DHA™
-- omega-3s for babies 5-35 lbs. with a measured dropper for easy addition to formula or food
Nordic Naturals® is based in Watsonville, CA and is committed to delivering the world's safest, most effective omega oils to help provide the essentials of an extraordinary life. With over 150 products being distributed to more than 35 countries, the company's formulations are all in line with leading standards for safety, efficacy and sustainability. For more information on the company and their products, visit their website.
You can also follow what's going on with these two care-about-your-kids' companies by following them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nordicnaturals and www.facebook.com/HealthyChild) and Twitter (@NordicNaturals and @Healthy_Child.
And, of course, you can follow Green Grandma and Vinegar Fridays on FB and Twitter as well. @TheGreenGrandma @VinegarFridays.
Keeping it green and healthy with vinegar and Nordic Naturals®,
Hana
