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(NaturalNews) The current mainstream model of human health tells us that we are predestined to encounter certain illnesses, and that our weight is largely down to genes. Yet scientists in New Zealand are dispelling the common myth that obesity is caused by "bad genes." Scientists from Auckland University's Liggins Institute have discovered that genetic pre-disposition to obesity can be reversed through good nutrition in early childhood.

Their research shows that when a mother is undernourished, her child's body is pre-set to cope with a life of scarcity. And remember, undernourished does not necessarily mean not eating enough food. Many overeaters in the western world are severely undernourished due to an appalling diet of junk food. Not only are their children likely to become fat because they eat the same foods as there parents, but also because they are biologically storing for not enough nutrients….a double whammy.

In laboratory tests, newborn offspring from both well-fed and undernourished rats were given leptin, a hormone that signals to the body when it has eaten enough. When they became adults, the long-term effects were measured by looking at genes that regulate metabolism in the liver. Rats from well-fed mothers reacted to leptin in the opposite way to those from undernourished mothers.

The researchers urge mothers to eat a more balanced diet (with the right amounts of protein and vitamins) during pregnancy. However, if the fetus is under-nourished in the womb, the long-term effects can still be corrected through good nutrition in early childhood.

Some Healthy Eating Tips for Pregnant Women and Children

1.Cut down on simple carbohydrates. Humans require food that is alive and nutritious. The majority of our foods need to offer us something valuable, and there is no time that this is more important than in the womb and during early childhood, and children generally enjoy them. Simple carbs like bread, pasta and cake are filler foods that offer no nourishment whatsoever, and are in fact harmful.

2.Eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible. The more the better. Fruit smoothies and fresh green vegetable juices are good ways to increase your fruit and vegetable intake. Ensure that every mealtime includes at least some raw, organic where possible fruit or vegetable.

3.Include plenty of seeds. Pumpkin, sunflower, chia and sesame seeds add essential fats, nutrients and flavor to meals. They also make wonderful snacks.

4.Cut out sugar and discover the amazing world of sugar free desserts. There are incredible recipes out there that are packed with super foods that will absolutely blow your taste buds away! Raw chocolate, for example is revolutionizing the chocolate world. It is healthy and incredibly delicious. Children love it, and so do it adults. And that is just one example of healthy sweet eating. With so many natural sugar alternatives, refined sugar is slowly but surely becoming and outdated and completely unnecessary food…even for those with the biggest sweet teeth!

Imagine our world if babies were never exposed to sugar or in the womb and grew up virtually sugar free. Where children ate primarily live, foods packed with nutrients. Imagine how many diseases and illnesses, including obesity and diabetes would begin to disappear.

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