Children's Diet and Asthma: What's the Link?

The health benefits of consuming a diet rich in fruit and vegetables have long been known. Ultimately, in our heart of hearts, we all know that these foods should be staples – no ifs, no buts.

However, getting this message across to kids is a titanic battle for many a conscientious parent. Indeed, some youngsters will only eat a sprout of broccoli or spear of asparagus if they’re under serious duress!

A brand-new study has now shown that children who don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables could be 53% more at risk of developing asthma.

Researchers at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) analysed the asthma rates of 2,043 youngsters, aged between six and 18. Worryingly, they discovered that 57% of participants lived at least half a mile from the closest shop selling fruit and vegetables.

The findings led the group to coin the term ‘food desert’ – used to describe an area of one square mile in which no fruit and vegetable shops reside.

It’s not known how many of these barren tracts of land there are in the US – or the UK for that matter – but the study highlights the need for a fresh (pardon the pun!) look at fruit and vegetables.

Short of force-feeding sceptical children, how can we minimise the risks associated with a diet deficient in important nutrients?

Incidentally, it’s worth reiterating that the fault does not lie with parents. Another recent study by The Soil Association found that cafes at the UK’s top museums were refusing to serve children vegetables. Instead, lunch boxes offered by the Natural History Museum and the British Museum were said to be ‘loaded’ with sugar and processed foods.

The difficulty, therefore, lies not just in encouraging children to eat a balanced diet – but in compelling venues to provide healthy alternatives to chocolate, crisps and sweets.

The former point is especially tricky given that we’re hardwired to avoid low-calorie green foods such as vegetables, as a consequence of evolution. Scientists have learned that processing colours influences our brain’s decision on what food to eat; as humans, we rely on what we see to evaluate the attractiveness of food, and the Scientific Reports investigation underlined an innate proclivity to choose red (thought to contain more calories) over green food.

It’s interesting to note that the preference for red shades over green was not observed in non-edible objects.

So, what’s the best, most efficient way of working more greens into our diet, and that of our children? Is it simply a case of wilfulness? Of loading up your basket or trolley with lettuce, kale and spinach?

One easy way of ensuring you hit your daily quota of vegetables – and are thereby set to reap the associated health benefits – is by utilising a supplement like Phresh Greens. A unique blend of green vegetables, alkalising grasses and grass juice powders, this green superfood is made with all organic ingredients.

It can be added to smoothies, sprinkled into salads or simply mixed in water for the ultimate detox drink. Nutrient-rich and agreeably mild to taste, the vegan-friendly formulation is one of the best superfood powders you can buy.

Screeds have been written about the health benefits of vegetable consumption, but suffice to say Phresh Greens is packed with goodness. Not only can it help build healthy blood thanks to its high chlorophyll content, but it includes important phytochemicals possessed of immune-boosting properties. What’s more, the potent blend’s alkaline nutrients and minerals combine to detoxify acidic compounds residing in the tissues.

You’ll be pleased to know that each scoop of Phresh equates to 3 - 4 servings of raw vegetables. I know what you’re thinking, and you’re absolutely right: that’s a whole lot less chewing!

The specific ingredients, by the way, include alfalfa, barley grass, wheat grass and spinach.

Getting children to eat more greens will probably never be easy; but it needn’t be so hard. Phresh Greens simplifies the process like never before, helping you work such goodies as spinach, collard and oat grass into your diet.

If you wish to contact us about Phresh Greens – or any of our products – don’t hesitate to get in touch; we’re always available for a chat.