Our Smart Salmon is good for your kids!

Brain development in youth
Omega 3 fatty acids are not only important for child brain development  in utero.  Research has shown that young people need DHA in their diet for continued healthy brain development.  DHA is one of the two main fatty acids found in oily fish, and the best source without question is wild Alaskan salmon. 

It’s never too early to start young people eating fish.  According to nutritionists, from ages 6 mo. to 2 years, children should consume 100 mg of DHA per week, or 1-2 oz. serving of oily fish up to 4 times per week.  From 2 to 5 years, they should consume 200 mg per week or a 3 oz. serving up to 4 times per week.  If they develop good nutritional habits from an early age, it will serve them the rest of their lives.  Not only will they have the advantage of healthy brain development, but they will also have good eating habits that will keep them healthy as they mature.

For the impact of Omega 3 fatty acids on children’s IQ, see:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17185324/.

Mood disorders
DHA not only helps promote healthy brain function, it helps to prevent or lessen the impact of certain mood disorders like depression and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which affects the behavior of thousands of young people. The problem of ADHD is still being studied, and some have suggested that a zinc deficit or certain food dyes may play a role, but the most promising line of research to date is the link between Omega 3 fatty acids and improved mood, behavior and concentration skills in youth. In some cases ADHD has been linked to Omega 3 deficiency.*

A diet that includes salmon may make dramatic improvements in both mood and concentration for your child.  Smart Salmon is a great way to get your child started eating right.

For a reasonable assessment of the role of Omega 3 fatty acids in addressing the problems of ADHD and mood disorders, see:
http://addadhdadvances.com/efa-depression.html

*Parents of children with a mood disorder should consult a physician.  Omega 3 should not be used as an alternative to prescription medication without consulting a doctor.

Brain development healthy diet
Children and teenagers are active and their metabolism can process foods better than adults, but that doesn’t mean that they are immune from the chemicals and additives that are in processed foods.  Young people are developing lifelong eating habits.  Make them habits that will serve not only their development but their long term health needs as well.  Serve lots of healthy fruits and vegetables and get them started eating salmon from an early age.  For a delicious kid-friendly flavor, have them try the Smart Salmon made with Hawaii’s own Huli Huli® sauce.  Teens might like the Smart Salmon with Kenyan Coffee BBQ sauce, a deep rich and slightly sweet sauce made with all natural sweeteners.

Suggested Recipe for kids: Broccoli Mashed Potatoes

Brain development menu planning
Suggestions for fussy eaters:
Most kids like mashed potatoes, but they are loaded with salt and fat.  Try pureeing peas or broccoli and adding them into the mashed potatoes.  It’s a great way to hide vegetables that will not only add extra nutrition, but give your potatoes a more colorful appearance as well.  You can replace most of the fat of mashed potatoes by cutting the potatoes into cubes and roasting them in the oven.  Lightly coat the potato cubes with olive oil for a rich flavor.  Better still, replace them with sweet potatoes.  Sweet potatoes are loaded with Vitamin A.  Vitamin A helps promote cell growth, bone development and vision.  Sweet potatoes, like carrots, get their color from beta-carotene, an important antioxidant.

Many kids won’t eat broccoli.  Most “kid-friendly” broccoli recipes smother it with lots of fatty cheese and mayonnaise.  One mom went so far as to create a chocolate-covered broccoli recipe for her fussy eater.  Here’s a suggestion: Cut the stalk into fine slivers and add to your child’s favorite salad.  He/she won’t even know it’s there.  You can purchase them pre-sliced in plastic bags at many grocery stores and save yourself the trouble.  Broccoli is off the charts in Vitamin C and K, and an excellent source of vitamin A.

Replace sweet, fatty deserts with fresh fruit.  Make a salad from your favorite fruits; for added calcium top with a dressing made with plain yogurt sweetened with honey for a delicious and nutritious side dish or dessert.  Top with walnut pieces or sliced almonds for added crunch and health benefits.  Nuts are another good source of antioxidants.