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Vegetarian
Diets for Kids
A Modern Epidemic
- The World
Health Organization reports that approximately "22 million children
under five are estimated to be overweight worldwide." (1)
- Since
the 1970s, the number of obese children in the United States has quadrupled
and the prevalence of obesity has increased in adolescents by more than
50 percent. (2)
- According
to the American Obesity Association, "excess weight in childhood
and adolescence has been found to predict overweight in adults."
(3)
- An unhealthy start can increase a child's risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other obesity-related complications in adulthood. (4)
A Healthy Start
- Since
the lifetime eating habits of children are typically determined in early
childhood, there is no better time to introduce them to a healthy, plant-based
diet centered on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. (5)
- Vegetarian
children and adolescents take in less cholesterol, saturated fat and
total fat than those who consume animal products. (6)
- Plant
foods are also the best sources of essential nutrients for children.
They not only supply an adequate amount of energy and protein to sustain
the body, but are also packed with health-promoting fiber, antioxidants,
vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. (7)
- Scientific
studies reveal that vegetarian kids not only tend to become healthier
adults with lower risk of life-threatening illnesses and obesity, but
may also live longer than those who were raised on animal foods. (8)
- The American Dietetic Association attests to the fact that "appropriately planned vegan […] diets satisfy nutrient needs of infants, children, and adolescents and promote normal growth." (9)
