New theory on child nutrition demotes greens

Press, 26 May 1979, Page 7

New theory on child nutrition demotes greens

PA Wellington Children do not need to eat their greens, according to a nutrition expert. In an article in the latest Health Department magazine, Ms Flora Davidson, of the nutrition section, said that it was no longer necessary to insist that children eat specific foods, such as green vegetables, whole cereals, and liver, to ensure they got enough minerals and vitamins. She said that vegetables provided bulk, which was important for an overweight adult, but not for children who had a high energy requirement and small capacity.

The main value of vegetables was “gastronomic.” They improved the appearance, flavour, and texture of meals, Ms Davidson said. It was not a bad habit for children to like energy-rich foods such as fried potatoes and meat pies.

“Adviee on children’s diets should not be based o n adults’ die»--v problems,” she said.

“Attempts to get children to accept the kind of foods that health-minded, weight-conscious adults eat are unlikely to succeed.” Ms Davidson said that reports from New Zealand and other countries showed a loss of appetite among young children because of excessive milkdrinking. She suggested that a litre a day was enough for the preschooler. Snacks were not harmful, but it was better for children to eat bread and cereal than cake and biscuits.

She said that eggs were the most disliked food among year-old children — and it was not necessary to include eggs in their diet. Nor was it necessary to restrict the number of eggs because of fears of high cholesterol levels. Ms Davidson said that children should have a say in what they ate. Children’s food preferences are often more sensible than adults realise,” she said.