Vegetables, these unknown? For almost half of Italian children the answer is yes. According to the recent data of a survey made by Nestlé Observatoryin our country they are even one out of 2 (46.4%) Children who do not like to eat vegetables and legumes.
A data, underestimated to date, that alarms the specialists, since incorrect food habits and behaviorsin the long run, could have a significant impact on health.
To confirm it there would also be a recent study on longevity Published on the prestigious magazine Nature Medicinewhich, for a period of 30 years, monitored the diets and the aging process of over 100 thousand people middle aged.
The impact of healthy nutrition on longevity
Learning a lifestyle and healthy nutrition from an early age is the key to growing long -lived and healthy adults. This was reiterated by the famous researcher and biagerologist, a new book dedicated to children (but also parents and educators) made by his foundation and studied according to the principles of the longevity diet teaches him
From the study it emerged That, reached 70 years, only 10% of the participants in research showed a “healthy aging”considering, in addition to physical problems (such as difficulties in walking, diabetes, cardiac pathologies, pressure problems and chronic pathologies of various kinds) also suffering of a cognitive nature as memory deficiencies and depressive states.
The study also highlighted how those who have over the years have followed a more varied and balanced diet, including plants, have aged better. Eight, in particular, are the food regimes that have made the best results, among these there is also the Mediterranean diet. In general to be rewarded were The food regimes that, more, have favored the variety. And to benefit from the greatest consumption of food of vegetable origin is also the fundamental organ: the Heart. A recent clinical study, conducted on 153 subjects who jointly presented hypertension and chronic kidney diseases, published byAmerican Journal of Medicinein fact he found that, among the anti-inflammatory and specific anti-inflammatory regimes for the well-being of the kidneys, only those who they included a greater quantity of vegetables and fruit (from 2 to 4 portions per day) they also contributed to improving the cardiovascular health.
Vegetables, the allies neglected
In short, the plants are a real elixir of youth and the Disaffection of the little ones to these foods is one Wide spectrum threat. “The vegetables they are not simple outlines but real allies for our healthfoods rich in vitamins and others micronutrients also capable of protect us from chronic diseases And stretch our life “highlights the professor Laura of Racepresident of the Master’s degree in human nutrition and vicar proreor of the **Bio-Medical Campus **Of Rome. “They go consumed every dayin adequate varieties and quantities, for Give taste and color to the table and, at the same time, prevent risks for the future. Make sure that ours childrenand in general ours dearare able to appreciate these foods is a educational duty and one responsibility towards one’s family but also towards our communities», The specialist points out. «Tolerate incorrect eating habits or not very varied and poor diets of plants exposed a greater risks of having to resort to pharmacotherapy in the futureaffecting the costs of health systems. And this also applies to the very youngamong whom, unfortunately, is the propensity to ignore or refuse plants as essential components of their diet “.
The “poor” diet of children
The scarce consumption of vegetables and legumes illustrated byNestlé Observatory It concerns all age groups. However, particularly relevant is among the youngest, who they also show difficulties with fish (31.4%), cereals (20.3%), meat (19.3%) And fruit (16.9%).
This phenomenon is significant because children often determine the content of the shopping cart: In 6 out of 10 families (58.5%) in fact accompany the reference figure at the supermarket (in most nuclei, the 49.2%, it is the motherwhile more rarely, Only in 3 out of 10 cases, dad is also involved), directing inevitably too purchaseswhile they are Less than 4 out of 10 (37.2%) Families in whom no problems are highlighted to manage the feeding of children.
«What you need to understand is that these Food behavior and habits end up conditioning those of the whole family, “highlights the professor of tender. «If the child shows to refuse certain foods, those will not be consumed or will be consumed in minor quantities also by family members: dad, mothers, brothers and sisters. As The diet of the whole family is impoverishedwith i consequent risks in terms of health and well -being protection. If the plants, as confirmed by the most recent studies, contribute to healthy aging, vice versa one tendency not to consume them will produce, on the long term, negative consequences for the longevity and well -being of the population “.
10 ways to convince a child to eat more vegetables
But how is a child convinced to follow a more varied and healthy diet? Here are i 10 tips to promote vegetables consumption that emerge from Nutriatto projectmade with Bio-Medical Campus of Rome:
1.Varity, first of all
Choose vegetables of different colors: plus colors put on the plate, more nutritious and antioxidants introduce yourself into the diet. The colors can also have a fun and convincing effect for children.
2. Come on and play
They are 4 out of 10, according to **Nestlé Observatory, ** children who regularly help those who take care of them to cook. They are not few, indeed. Involve them in the preparation of the vegetables, making sure that they help you clean and prepare them, it can favor their curiosity towards these foods.
3. Daily changes
If a child does not eat vegetables, it would be wrong to make him live this lack as an imposition or forcing. The important thing is to progressively introduce them to its diet, change its habits softly.
4. 4 always new
The routine and boredom, especially for children, can play a role in tightening them from certain foods or foods. Changing often, at least the preparation methods, helps them not to get tired.
5. Not only contours
It is important to add the vegetables to first courses, sandwiches and snacks. Green light, therefore, to vegetable sauces, wrap and piadine.
6.condivision
Eating together, preparing saucers from which the whole table can use, helps to transmit the value of vegetables even to the little ones.
7.Curosity
Telling the vegetables, perhaps using stories, illustrating and making them attractive the benefits can contribute to bringing children closer to these essential foods.
8.Creativity
Cut the vegetables into fun shapes such as little stars and flowers can make the dish more attractive. The eye also wants its part.
9.exionny
Vegetables are fundamental, but must always be integrated into a varied and balanced diet, without excluding other foods.
10. Allegria
The table must be a convivial moment. Enjoying its pleasures must be a positive experience.
Source: Vanity Fair
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