CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND SOY

Soy is good for kids too !

Today’s nutritionists and parents major concerns are the alarming rates of childhood obesity and child onset type 2 diabetes. As parents as well as nutritionists, it has become crucial that we find ways to help prevent this from becoming an epidemic. One of the ways is to help our children make healthy food choices and soy is certainly an excellent nutritional option.

There is no age group better than school age children to teach the value of good nutrition, to help them form healthier eating habits that may last a lifetime. Soy foods with their high quality protein can serve as a good source of a complete protein for these critical years of child growth and development.

Soy protein is as good for growing children as the protein from milk or meat and it comes without the high levels of saturated fat that are found in beef and dairy products. In addition, high-quality soy protein offers many health benefits. Soy protein help protect children from chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. It also helps reduce obesity.

Heart disease. The FDA has approved a soy health claim that states that 25 grams of soy protein a day as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. Soy may also help keep blood vessels healthy and help control blood pressure.

Diabetes. Soy protein can help keep blood glucose levels under control by increasing insulin sensitivity. Soy also reduces the risk of developing kidney disease and heart disease, both of which are common to diabetics.

Obesity. Soy is low in calories and high in nutrition. When soy replaces higher-fat foods, it reduces the overall fat content of the diet. Recent researches has shown that soy protein may delay hunger, increase metabolism and promote weight loss.

Lactose intolerance. Dairy products are not an option for some children due to lactose intolerance, allergies to bovine protein or cultural practices. Lactose intolerance is prevalent in some population groups as early as two years of age. Studies have found prevalence rates of up to 72% of African American school aged children, up to 85% of Asian American school aged children and up to 21% of Caucasian American school aged children. Common symptoms of lactose intolerance include nausea, cramps, bloating, diarrhea, which begin about 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking foods containing lactose.
For children not consuming dairy products, fortified soymilk contains calcium to help promote growth and prevent osteoporosis and protein quality equivalent to milk. It also contains iron and vitamins A, D and B. Fortified soymilk is also low in saturated fat and contains no cholesterol plus as it is loaded with high quality proteins, it will help increase satiety and reduce cravings.

GETTING YOUR KIDS TO LOVE SOY, IMPOSSIBLE?
THINK AGAIN : TRY EARTH SHAKE

Since children do not compromise on taste, it was important in the development of Earth Shake, to produce a great tasting beverage. The results of test groups prove that we reached our goal! Kids just love Earth Shake, it was preferred to other soymilks sold in Canada in blind tasting tests for all three flavours. The challenge was to please their taste buds but also their eyes. The packaging has been designed with that objective. The comments collected from test groups could be resumed in one word: cool! Of course we also wanted to meet parents and nutritionists highest expectations and we came up with the healthiest beverage possible! Earth Shake also provides an excellent source of omega 3, which is associated with many health benefits such as helping protect from cardiovascular disease. Recent researches also showed that a good source of Omega 3 contribute to reduce the symptoms associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Soy beverages are also a great nutritional option for nursing mothers. As it is lactose-free, it helps reduce babies colics.

Earth Shake, a delicious, healthy and fun way for kids to enjoy soy.