Davidson Day School
Why Do We Care? When foods are processed, nutrients are
lost, fibers removed, texture modified, natural variation and flavors are lost.
After processing, what's actually left behind is a bland,
uninteresting "pseudo-‐food" that most people would find entirely unappetizing.
Food manufacturers must add back in the flavor, color and
texture in order to make them desirable, and this is why they become loaded with food additives. Result – highly processed food is now being linked to food allergies, ADHD, cancer, diabetes, heart disease.
Sugar Causes inflammation in the body which leads to many diseases over time.
Few examples -‐ suppresses immune system, weakens eyesight, arthritis, depression, heart disease, increase cholesterol, depletes vitamins, premature aging of skin. Artificial Sweeteners (such as equal, splenda, sweet n low) Consist of many harmful chemicals. Aspartame is of particular concern because it contains phenylalanine (50%), aspartic acid (40%) and methanol (10%), three well-‐recognized neurotoxins. Actually increases hunger. High Fructose Corn Syrup (soft drinks, candy, cereal, condiments, baked goods
including bread)
Obesity enticing ingredient, according to Princeton University Studies Highly processed with chemicals.
Caramel Coloring Found in certain brands of iced tea & children’s vitamins) Contains harmful chemicals linked to lung, liver, thyroid cancer
Food Dyes Blue # 1 Brilliant Blue Citris Red #2 Red #3 (Erythrosine) Yellow #5 (Tartrazine)
Blue #2 Indigo Carmine Green #3 (Fast Green) Red #40 (Allura Red) Yellow #6 (Sunset Yellow)
Every year, food manufacturers pour 15 million pounds of artificial food dyes
into U.S. foods such as cereal, juice, gelatin, candy, cheese puffs, baked goods, ice cream, mac & cheese to name a few.
Risks Numerous forms of cancer, behavioral issues, hyperactivity, effects kidneys, brain, bladder
Preservatives (TBHQ)
Designed to prevent bacteria growth and spoilage, increases shelf life BUT causes toxic damage in the body, Mayo Clinic links it to asthma, behavioral changes, heart damage, cancer. Artificial Flavors (such as nitrates in bacon and
hot dogs)
Synthesized chemicals, most derived from petroleum. May cause respiratory issues, cancer, effects the brain.
Our eating habits in childhood stay with us for life, hence
the importance of getting it right at an early age.
Resources – Dr. Oz, Mayo Clinic, Princeton University,
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
We encourage you to do your own research, just google
any one of the topics “harmful effects of …..”
We want to encourage & promote healthy eating -‐ fruit,
vegetables, natural products, sugar in moderation.
1.
Please share your ideas for a healthy child friendly lunch menu.
2.
Can you recommend any caterers that can provide the school with a healthy child friendly menu?
3.
What food & beverages would you like to see stocked in the concession stand and vending machine?
4.
What ideas do you have for classroom parties (healthy fun snacks, crafts, games)?
Note -‐ many soft drinks contain copious amounts of all the ingredients highlighted above -‐ sugar, dyes and sweeteners. Flavored milks and 100% juice can contain as much sugar as soda. Feel free to e-‐mail your responses or any other comments you have to denisefiore77@yahoo.com or susan_ratcliff@hotm