Originally published October 18 2005
Nutritionists warn about the effects of a fatty diet on your child's brain
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Dr. Alex Richardson, senior research fellow at the University Laboratory of Physiology in Oxford, explains how saturated fats can contribute to learning disorders and why you want to encourage your child to consume healthy fats, especially fish.
IT'S common knowledge that a junk food diet is bad for children's waistlines but what is it doing to their brains Childhood obesity is rising and consumption of junk food is at an all time high.
In Scotland, one in five 12 year olds is clinically obese and one in three 12 year olds is overweight.
Other 'bad' fats are, hydrogenated and trans fats which are prevalent in fried and processed foods such as margarine, cakes, crisps, pizza and biscuits.
'Good' fats include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which are found in olive oil, vegetables and fish.
The benefits of essential fatty acids (EFAs) found in fish and fish oil supplements have been well documented.
A study by the Dyscovery Centre, found that taking omega-3 fish oil capsules improved children's concentration by 35 per cent.
The solid part of the brain is made up of 65 per cent fat and needs a supply of 'good' fats, as the body cannot produce them itself.
Patrick Holford, founder of the Brain Bio Centre and author of Optimum Nutrition for the Mind (Piatkus �12.99) says: "Your brain becomes much less flexible and cannot function as well."
Dr Catherine Hankey, lecturer in human nutrition at Glasgow University said: "The effect of consuming trans fats is difficult to analyse as they are naturally present in dairy products but in smaller quantities."
The Foods Standard Authority (FSA) advises trans fats have no nutritional value due to the increased risk of heart disease and high cholesterol levels.
Following Jamie Oliver's crusade for more nutritional school meals, healthy food is now in fashion.
This includes a detailed strategy for monitoring progress, performance and support for schools and education authorities to achieve the standards set.
For example, oily fish will be served at least one a week.
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