Breast and other unprocessed goodies

More revealing research that breast feeding even for 4 months (the recommendation is six) brings behavioural benefits to the child. The Oxford University study of 9500 mothers suggests breast feeding can reduce the risk of children becoming badly behaved by 30%. It found 16% of children brought up on formula milk had problems including anxiety, lying, stealing and hyperactivity- double the proportion breast fed. This is even when other influences such as social and economic background was taken in to account. The study could not say whether this was down to something lacking in the formula milk or the close interaction between mother and child during breastfeeding. Although, some mothers can not breast feed rates are very low in the UK with almost 1 in 3 new mothers never attempting it compared to just 2% in Sweden. It is also well known that breast fed children have lower rates of stomach problems, chest infections, asthma, eczema and allergies. There are also health benefits for the mother too.

Perhaps this should not surprise us as breast is the least processed option. Each mother’s milk is individual designed by nature for the child- full of immune enhancing properties and many essential fats needed by the baby for growth and brain development. Formula milk contains few nutrients, poor levels of fats and of course is highly processed and dried. In our highly processed world we often forget this simple rule that food as close to nature as possible will provide us with the best nutrition and health. This is why butter will always be better than spreads and fuller fat milk and yogurt better than the low fat varieties. In fact many low fat foods have added sugar and do not keep you feeling full for long so that you end up eating more. As you will know chocolate can be good for you but, only if it is unprocessed dark chocolate. Eat as naturally as you can.

Kevin, 15 May 2011